The Golden State Valkyries are eagerly preparing for their inaugural season in the WNBA, set to launch in 2025. A critical aspect of their preparation involves the upcoming 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft, scheduled for December 6, 2024. This event marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as it will facilitate the selection of players from the existing 12 WNBA teams. The draft will have a lasting impact on the team’s composition and competitive edge in its debut season, making it a pivotal point in the franchise’s history and the league’s expansion efforts.
The WNBA Expansion Draft serves as a mechanism for new teams to create their rosters by selecting players from other franchises. Specifically, the Valkyries will be allowed to choose one unprotected player from each existing team. Each franchise has the option to protect up to six players, ensuring that a balance is maintained across the league while providing the new franchise with the opportunity to establish a competitive team. This strategic selection process allows the Valkyries to assess talent and build a cohesive unit, essential for their long-term success.
The details surrounding the draft are crucial for the Valkyries’ roster-building strategy. Teams are required to submit a list of all their players, including those who are suspended or under core contracts, by November 25, 2024. The Valkyries will then focus on selecting from the unprotected players left off those lists. In cases where the selected player does not have a contract for the 2025 season, the Valkyries will acquire whatever rights were previously held by the original team. This nuance is important as it allows the new team to negotiate with players who may otherwise not be available.
Leading the expansion team’s charge is General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin, who has been in her role for seven months. As she gears up for the Expansion Draft, Nyanin is focused on building the basketball operations side of the franchise. Selecting the first group of players during this draft is a significant responsibility, as it shapes the initial roster. Furthermore, the Valkyries are not limited to players at specific positions; they can prioritize the best overall talent based on team needs and development potential.
The Expansion Draft is just the first phase in constructing a robust team. Following the draft, the Valkyries will also look to enhance their lineup through the WNBA Draft scheduled for April 14, 2025, and the free agency period that begins in February 2025. Holding the 5th overall pick and additional second and third-round picks in the upcoming draft provides the Valkyries with advantageous opportunities to secure promising talent. This combination of strategies will be pivotal in forming a strong foundation for the new franchise.
As the Valkyries approach the draft, fans are filled with anticipation about who will constitute the team’s first-ever squad. The emphasis on flexibility in player selection, coupled with the strategic opportunities during free agency and the draft, places the franchise on a promising trajectory. With a well-structured plan in place, the Golden State Valkyries aim to establish a competitive roster and make a noticeable impact in the WNBA starting from their inaugural season.
