Golden State Valkyries Prepare for WNBA Expansion Draft Amid Complex Roster Rules

As the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008, the Valkyries face challenges in navigating player protections and league regulations ahead of their debut season.

• 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.

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