By all accounts, the Golden State Valkyries were a smashing success in their first season of operation.
The Valkyries sold out all 22 regular-season home games, inspiring level of local excitement justified by their on-court product. Golden State acquired Veronica Burton through the expansion draft, and she became the WNBA Most Improved Player in a Valkyrie uniform. They then made history by becoming the first-ever expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Now, how are they
going to follow up on that amazing Year 1?
Here are three aspects of the offseason Golden State has to get right to build off what they are already doing well. Take a read and then share your visions for the Valkyries in the comments.
1. Who needs to stay to make sure Golden State takes a step forward?
With so many WNBA free agents and only one season to review their own talent, the Valkyries have to be smart as they figure out the best path forward.
Golden State submitted a restricted qualifying offer to Veronica Burton and reserved qualifying offers to Laeticia Amihere, Kaitlyn Chen, Iliana Rupert, Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini.
That doesn’t mean they’ll keep all of these players, but it shows a level of interest and commitment they have in them. Also, the Valkyries lost Carla Leite and Maria Conde to the expansion draft, and while Conde did not join the team last season, they’ll need to replace Leite and her contributions.
Golden State didn’t reach the ultimate goal of winning a title, or even make it out of the first round, but a lot went right for them in their first season.
That level of growth is unheard of in the WNBA.
However, to keep that progress moving forward, they have to get this offseason right. That means keeping top talent like Burton, moving on where necessary and finding the right players in free agency.
Do you think the Valkyries should prioritize re-signing all these players? Or, do some need to go in order for the franchise to take a step forward? Beyond the Burton, who is the most important returner?
2. Is the backcourt or the frontcourt a bigger priority for the Valkyries?
As WNBA free agency literally includes almost every player, plus the uncertainty about what players are legit looking for a new team versus those who are hoping for the best contract possible from their current team, it’s probably wise not to do too much speculation on the names of players who could become a Valkyrie.
So, instead of players, let’s look at needs. If Burton is back, then that’s a backcourt spot secured, but what about her partner?
Guards are worth their weight in gold in the WNBA, and if the Valkyries can make an upgrade in that department, they’ll be looking good in 2026. They play a fast-paced, uptempo offense, and a player who can help push that pace and knock down 3s could make them one of the best offenses in the league.
Perhaps, Golden State wants to upgrade in the big department. Again, plenty of players are available, on paper at least, so maybe they look for a rim protector and a scoring threat inside to solidify the paint. Last year, the Valkyries got destroyed by the Minnesota Lynx in the first round of the playoffs, and a lot of that damage occurred inside.
If they have a home run of a free agency period, they can address both their backcourt and frontcourt needs, but most likely they’ll have to pick one or the other. That’s means trying to create a guard-big combo that pairs well together or leaning into backcourt production.
What option do you see as best? Should Golden State go for top-notch guard to pair with Burton? Or, is an elite big more likely to elevate the team? And sure, engage in a little speculation and throw out some names, realistic or pie-in-the-sky, that intrigue you.
3. How can Golden State nail the No. 8 pick in the draft?
Every team, but especially a young one, has to hit the mark with its draft picks. Golden State has the No. 8 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This draft class looks very impressive, and they’ll have a great shot at selecting someone elite.
Will they draft Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA? She will likely be available at that spot and was a laser as a shooter. Jaquez shot 53.9 percent from the field, 39 percent from deep as a senior with the Bruins. Or they can go with Madina Okot of South Carolin if they want a center. She was a walking double-double for the Gamecocks, averaging 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
Again, it’ll come down to the best player available and the fit with Golden State’s system. If they get it right, they’ll quickly become a top team in the WNBA. If they get it wrong, then a sophomore slump could be incoming, and that first season might’ve been fool’s gold and not the treasure they thought that year was.
Who do you hope is available for Golden State at No. 8? Does the potential of Jaquez or Okot appeal to you more? Who is another prospect that you see becoming a perfect Valkyrie?
