Year Two, No More Excuses: The Valkyries Are Built to Compete
The Golden State Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season. That wasn’t a fluke. And the way they’ve approached this offseason makes it very clear they have no intentions of going backwards.
Let’s break down every move from top to bottom.
The headline: Gabby Williams is a Valkyrie
This is the move that changes the ceiling of this team. Gabby Williams signed a multi-year deal to leave Seattle and join Golden State, and I cannot overstate how good of a fit this is. She was the 2025 All-WNBA Defense First Team and led the entire league in steals per game. She averaged career highs of 11.6 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.3 steals last season. Pair her with Veronica Burton the Most Improved Player and you have arguably the most disruptive defensive backcourt in the league. Opposing guards are not going to enjoy this.
The core stays together
• Veronica Burton — multi-year deal: The Most Improved Player is not going anywhere, and good. Burton started all 44 games last season, led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, AND blocks. She was the only player in the entire WNBA to do that. Lock her in.
• Kayla Thornton — one-year deal: The franchise’s first-ever All-Star is back. Thornton led the team with career highs of 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds and scored in double figures in 18 of 22 games. The heart of this locker room.
• Janelle Salaun — multi-year deal: All-Rookie Team selection in year one, averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, scored 20+ three times. She’s only 24 and still getting better. This signing is huge for the future.
• Iliana Rupert — multi-year deal: The French center returns as a key frontcourt piece. Brings size, versatility, and championship experience from France’s national team alongside Williams and Salaun.
• Cecilia Zandalasini — one-year deal: Shot a career-high 44.7 percent from the field and ranked seventh in the WNBA with a 40.7 three-point percentage. She is so reliable.
• Kaila Charles — two-year deal: Carved out a real role after arriving mid-season and earned herself a guaranteed return.
New addition: Kiah Stokes
Three-time WNBA champion. Spent three seasons in Las Vegas winning back to back titles under Natalie Nakase who is now the head coach in Golden State. She knows the system, she knows what winning looks like, and she fills an important frontcourt need.
“She has won three WNBA championships and was coached by Coach Nakase in Las Vegas, so she understands what we are building here and what it takes to win.” — GM Ohemaa Nyanin
One to watch: Justė Jocyťė
Selected fifth overall in last year’s draft, the Lithuanian guard is expected to finally make her WNBA debut this season after playing in Spain. She’s averaging 11.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists at Spar Girona. If she arrives healthy and locked in, she could genuinely be the most exciting new Valkyrie this season.
Training camp contracts
Laeticia Amihere — Career highs across the board in year one with the Valkyries 5.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, seven double digit scoring games. Competing for a roster spot.
Kaitlyn Chen — The UConn national champion guard is back after her rookie season. One of the fastest players on the floor. Training camp will be fun to watch.
Mariella Fasoula — 6’3 Greek center averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists in EuroCup play. A dominant interior presence who absolutely deserves a look.
Miela Sowah — Just led the Townsville Fire to the 2026 WNBL title, averaging 17.8 points on 40.9 percent from three. A two-time champion with big-shot experience.
Cate Reese — Arizona product who averaged 15.4 points and 10.6 rebounds in EuroCup this season. Physical, versatile, hungry.