Overview

• The Golden State Valkyries, set to debut in the 2025 WNBA season, will build their roster through an expansion draft on December 6, 2024.
• Each of the 12 existing WNBA teams can protect up to six players, leaving the Valkyries to select one unprotected player per team or pass for roster flexibility.
• League rules, including the 'core' designation, limit the Valkyries' ability to draft certain high-profile players, complicating their roster-building efforts.
• The Valkyries have already achieved record-breaking ticket sales and assembled a leadership team, including GM Ohemaa Nyanin and head coach Natalie Nakase.
• Future WNBA expansion plans include new teams in Toronto and Portland in 2026, with discussions underway for a potential 16th team in cities like Cleveland, St. Louis, or Philadelphia.