WNBA Expansion Draft to Shape Golden State Valkyries' First Roster

The Golden State Valkyries will select players from existing teams in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft, marking a pivotal step for the league's newest franchise.

The Golden State Valkyries, set to debut in the 2025 WNBA season, will build their inaugural roster during the expansion draft airing on ESPN at 6:30 PM ET on December 6, 2024.
Each of the 12 existing WNBA teams can protect six players, leaving the Valkyries to select one unprotected player from each team, and up to 13 total players, including one unrestricted free agent.
The Valkyries have already secured key leadership with Ohemaa Nyanin as General Manager and Natalie Nakase as Head Coach, and will play at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Golden State may negotiate trades during or after the draft, leveraging player selections to acquire additional draft picks or other assets for future roster-building.
This expansion reflects the WNBA’s growth, with additional teams in Portland and Toronto set to join in 2026 and another franchise expected by 2028.