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yesterday

Valkyries Add Powers and Amihere After Four Players Depart for EuroBasket

Veteran additions will fill gaps left by national team departures ahead of the Valkyries’ June 14 matchup in Seattle.

Minnesota Lynx forward Aerial Powers (3) interacts with fans after a play during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Chicago Sky in Minneapolis, Wednesday, July 6, 2021. The Lynx won 81-78.
Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun, left, dribbles the ball against Phoenix Mercury guard Kitija Laksa (9) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Phoenix.
Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fagbenle grabs a rebound against the Phoenix Mercury during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Phoenix.
Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo during a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks in San Francisco, Friday, May 16, 2025.

Overview

  • Four key players—Julie Vanloo, Janelle Salaün, Temi Fagbenle and Cecilia Zandalasini—have temporarily left to join their national teams for the EuroBasket tournament, requiring absences through early July depending on their teams’ progress.
  • Golden State signed veteran guard Aerial Powers to a rest-of-season deal; the 2019 WNBA champion and 2016 fifth overall pick offers scoring and rebounding off the bench.
  • Forward Laeticia Amihere, who was on the preseason roster, returned to the squad after center Kyara Linskens was released to reinforce frontcourt depth.
  • Under WNBA rules players must return within 48 hours of their national teams’ elimination, and the Valkyries can add up to two hardship contracts to maintain a full roster.
  • The revamped lineup will debut on June 14 against the Seattle Storm as the Valkyries navigate the EuroBasket-induced absences and maintain competitive consistency.