FAQ: Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s 13th franchise, will announce their selections in the Expansion Draft on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. PT (6:30 p.m. ET), broadcast live on ESPN. This draft is a crucial step for the Valkyries as they prepare for their inaugural season in 2025. Below are answers to common questions about the process.
Expansion Draft Rules
- The Valkyries can select one player from each of the 12 existing WNBA teams.
- Teams can protect up to six players on their roster.
- The Valkyries can only select one player who will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season.
- The Valkyries can make trades with other teams, including agreements to select a player and then trade them.
Player Eligibility
- Players on a team’s active, suspended, draft list/reserved, core, and retired lists are eligible.
- If a selected player is not signed for the 2025 season, the Valkyries will receive the rights to that player.
- If a selected player is signed for the 2025 season, the Valkyries will acquire their contract.
Valkyries’ Roster Building
- The Valkyries have the fifth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
- After the Expansion Draft, the Valkyries can participate in free agency and the WNBA Draft.
About the Golden State Valkyries
- The Valkyries are the 13th franchise in the WNBA.
- The team is led by General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin and Head Coach Natalie Nakase.
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- WNBA Releases 2025 Schedule; Regular Season Begins May 16
