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Valkyries Add Powers and Amihere as Four Stars Depart for EuroBasket

Coach Natalie Nakase is deploying hardship signings to offset the loss of four starters to international competition

Overview

  • Julie Vanloo, Janelle Salaün, Temi Fagbenle and Cecilia Zandalasini have paused their Valkyries contracts to represent Belgium, France, Great Britain and Italy at EuroBasket, potentially missing games through early July.
  • Aerial Powers joined on a rest-of-season deal, drawing on her 2019 championship experience and floor-spacing capabilities despite a recent history of injuries.
  • Laeticia Amihere was signed from the preseason roster to reinforce the frontcourt following the release of center Kyara Linskens, with Monique Billings and Stephanie Talbot set for expanded roles.
  • Under WNBA hardship rules, the Valkyries can sign two players when their active roster drops to nine, giving the franchise salary cap flexibility for temporary fill-ins.
  • The expansion team has climbed to a 4–5 record with two consecutive wins, though it still leads the league in traveling calls and ranks second in turnovers per game.