Golden State Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin (left) announces new head coach Natalie … (+)
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The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s 13th franchise, are preparing to debut in the 2025 season. As part of their preparation, the team will participate in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft, a key step in roster construction, scheduled to be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. ET. It is scheduled to be broadcast. ESPN. This event is extremely important for both the franchise and the league, as the Valkyries begin building their team for their inaugural season.
What is the WNBA Expansion Draft?
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The WNBA Expansion Draft occurs when new teams in the league select players from among the players of existing teams. This allows franchises like the Golden State Valkyries to form competitive rosters by selecting players from a pool of unprotected players who are not protected by their current team. This process gives new teams a fair opportunity to build competitive teams while maintaining league-wide balance.
Key facts about the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft
When is it happening? The event will be broadcast live on ESPN on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 6:30 PM ET. Who can the Golden State Valkyries choose? The Valkyries will have the opportunity to choose one player from each of the 12 existing WNBA teams. Each team submits a list of all entitled players (including active players, suspended players, core players, drafted players, and reserve players). However, teams can protect up to six players, so those players are not eligible for selection. Unprotected players are eligible to select Valkyrie. Which players are eligible to be selected? Each of the 12 WNBA teams had until Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, to submit their roster list. This list included all players under contract or with rights to other leagues, such as suspended players or core players. The Valkyries select from unprotected players who have been removed from the team’s protected list. What happens if a player is not signed for the 2025 season? If the Valkyries select a player who is not under contract for the 2025 season, the team will have to pay for the player’s original contract. The company will acquire all the rights it has earned, including the right to negotiate in the future. If the player is already under contract for 2025, Golden State will inherit that contract. Can the Valkyries choose an unrestricted free agent? Yes, Golden State can choose one player to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season. However, this player must not have been on a core player contract for more than two years. If the Valkyries select this player, they can designate him as a core player in January 2025, when the designation period begins. Who will lead the charge? Ohemar Nyanin, general manager of the Golden State Valkyries. Since joining the team seven months ago, Nianin has been tasked with building the basketball operations side of the new franchise. Her next big job will be leading the Valkyries to select their first group of players for the WNBA Expansion Draft this Friday.
WNBA Expansion Draft: The path forward for the Valkyries
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While the Expansion Draft is an important step, it is just the beginning of the Valkyrie roster-building process. Following the draft, the team will continue to strengthen its lineup through other avenues, including the 2025 WNBA Draft (held April 14, 2025) and the free agency period beginning in February 2025.
In the 2025 WNBA Draft, Golden State will receive the No. 5 overall pick, as well as No. 5 picks in both the second and third rounds, giving Golden State a strong foundation on which to build a competitive team. It turns out.
WNBA Expansion Draft: Player Selection Flexibility
Golden State Valkyries new head coach Natalie Nakase poses for a portrait during press conference … (+)
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Valkyries do not have to follow positional requirements when making choices. This flexibility allows teams to select the best players available, regardless of position. There are no specific position constraints, and Golden State’s decision will depend on factors such as player potential, team fit and future development.
After the WNBA Expansion Draft, the Golden State Valkyries will focus on adding more talent to their roster during free agency and the draft. This ensures the team can fully build its lineup before the start of the 2025 season. The league’s newest team is ready to hit the ground running and fans are looking forward to the players who will form the basis of the Valkyrie’s first team.
