Imagine building a championship-caliber team from scratch. Sounds impossible, right? Well, the 2025 Golden State Valkyries did just that, becoming the first WNBA expansion team ever to make the playoffs! Their secret weapon? A killer expansion draft. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it pure luck, or a stroke of genius by their front office? Let's dive in and see how they pulled it off.
What's truly remarkable is the sheer impact of the expansion draft picks on the Valkyries' success. A staggering eight out of their top ten scorers in 2025 came directly from that draft! This underscores how crucial a well-executed expansion draft can be for a new franchise looking to compete right away. The Valkyries finished the season with a very respectable 23-21 record, landing them in fourth place in the competitive Western Conference. That's a phenomenal achievement for a first-year team!
Now, all eyes are on the future. With the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo both gearing up for their own expansion drafts in 2026, the question on everyone's mind is: Can these new teams replicate the Valkyries' rapid rise to contention? Can they unearth similar hidden gems and build a winning culture from day one? The pressure is definitely on!
Let's break down each of the Valkyries' picks in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft and analyze how those players contributed to their historic season:
Pick 1: Iliana Rupert, Center, Atlanta Dream
At 6-foot-4, Rupert brought much-needed size to the Valkyries' frontcourt. However, her season was somewhat fragmented due to overseas commitments. She started 11 games and appeared in 21, averaging 9.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. While her availability was inconsistent, she showed flashes of brilliance, like her 21-point outburst (including five 3-pointers!) against the Indiana Fever on August 31, 2025, in a decisive 75-63 victory.
Pick 2: Maria Conde, Forward, Chicago Sky
Unfortunately, Conde's story is one of setbacks. She suffered a devastating Achilles injury in January 2025, requiring surgery. This prevented her from playing a single WNBA game in 2025. On top of that, she also has commitments to Familia Basket Schio in the Italian Lega Basket Femminile. It's a tough break for both Conde and the Valkyries, highlighting the inherent risks involved in expansion drafts.
Pick 3: Veronica Burton, Guard, Connecticut Sun
Burton was the Valkyries' iron woman, the only player to start every single game in 2025 (all 44 of them!). Logging an impressive 29.4 minutes per game, she averaged 11.9 points and six assists, becoming the engine that drove their offense. And this is the part most people miss: her stellar play didn't go unnoticed! Burton was deservedly named the WNBA's Most Improved Player and earned a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. Her season-high 30-point performance against the Washington Mystics on August 13, 2025 (including six three-pointers) was a testament to her hard work and dedication. She became an instant fan favorite!
Pick 4: Carla Leite, Guard, Dallas Wings
Leite, a 5-foot-9 French guard, provided valuable minutes off the bench for the Valkyries. In 37 games, she averaged 7.2 points and two assists in 17.2 minutes. Her season-high 19 points against the Sparks on May 23, 2025, demonstrated her scoring potential. She showed promise and provided a spark when needed, solidifying her role as a reliable contributor.
Pick 5: Temi Fagbenle, Center, Indiana Fever
After spending years in a reserve role, Fagbenle finally got her chance to shine with the Valkyries. She started 38 of her 39 appearances and averaged a career-high 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Her consistent presence and improved performance were a pleasant surprise, showing that expansion drafts can offer opportunities for players to reinvent themselves.
Pick 6: Kate Martin, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
Martin proved to be a dependable bench player for the Valkyries, appearing in 42 games and averaging 16.4 minutes. She contributed 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Her career-high 21 points against New York on June 25, 2025, showcased her ability to step up when called upon. She provided stability and a consistent effort, making her a valuable asset.
Pick 7: Stephanie Talbot, Forward, Los Angeles Sparks
Talbot's time with the Valkyries was relatively short-lived. The 6-foot-2 Australian played 16 games, starting 10, and averaged 3.6 points and 3.3 rebounds before being waived on July 13. She was later signed by the Liberty. This highlights the volatile nature of expansion teams, where rosters are constantly being evaluated and adjusted.
Pick 8: Cecilia Zandalasini, Forward, Minnesota Lynx
Zandalasini's season was impacted by international commitments and a calf injury, causing her to miss a significant amount of time. However, when she was on the court, she was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 10.5 points in 19 games. Her 20-point performance against Washington on August 13, 2025, demonstrated her scoring prowess. She proved to be a dynamic player when healthy and available.
Pick 9: Kayla Thornton, Forward, New York Liberty
For the first half of the season, Thornton looked like the face of the franchise, averaging 14 points and seven rebounds while starting all 22 games. Her 29-point explosion against Chicago on June 27, 2025, was a highlight. But a devastating knee injury cut her season short, requiring surgery on July 25, 2025. Despite the injury, she was still named a WNBA All-Star, testament to her early-season dominance. It's a bittersweet story of potential unrealized, reminding us of the fragility of athletic careers.
Pick 10: Monique Billings, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Billings brought veteran experience and reliability to the Valkyries. She played in 26 games, averaging 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds. An ankle sprain sidelined her for three weeks in August, but she was otherwise a consistent contributor. She exemplified the value of having seasoned players on an expansion team.
Pick 11: No Selection, Seattle Storm
The Valkyries chose not to select any players from the Seattle Storm. This could have been a strategic decision based on roster needs or a belief that the available players wouldn't significantly improve the team. It shows that sometimes the best move is no move at all.
Pick 12: Julie Vanloo, Guard, Washington Mystics
Vanloo played for Golden State in May and June, averaging 4.6 points and 4.1 assists. After winning the European Championship with Belgium, she was surprisingly waived on June 30. This move might have been due to roster constraints or a change in the team's direction. It's a reminder that even after making the team, no player is guaranteed a long-term spot, especially on an expansion team.
So, what do you think? Was the Golden State Valkyries' success a result of brilliant drafting, skillful coaching, or simply a bit of luck? And what lessons can the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo learn from their example? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
