The Golden State Valkyries, set to debut in the WNBA in 2025, are looking to replicate the success of the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark by building a strong foundation and attracting top talent. The Valkyries made their first public appearance in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center, drawing a crowd of 17,428, marking the highest attendance for any preseason game this year.
The Valkyries' strategy includes building a state-of-the-art performance center and creating a desirable environment for players. Analyst Rachel DeMita predicts that the Valkyries will become a prime free agency destination due to the enthusiastic fanbase and sold-out arena.
Building a Team
The Valkyries have already started building their roster through the expansion draft, selecting 11 players from other teams. Head coach Natalie Nakase has expressed a desire to create a team that contends for a championship within five years. The team's first general manager, Ohemaa Nyanin, is tasked with overseeing basketball operations, roster construction, and player development.
Some of the players the Valkyries have contracts with include Kate Martin, Carla Leite, and Kayla Thornton. The team also has camp invites for players such as Veronica Burton and Julie Vanloo.
Drawing Inspiration from the Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever's success in the 2024 season, led by Caitlin Clark, has provided a blueprint for the Valkyries. The Fever's ability to capture fan interest and improve their performance has demonstrated the potential impact of a strong rookie and a well-supported team.
Free Agency Predictions
With a solid foundation and the appeal of playing in front of a large and passionate fanbase, the Valkyries are expected to be active in free agency. Analyst Hunter Cruse has discussed potential free agency targets for Golden State, emphasizing the importance of acquiring star-level talent.
The Valkyries' approach to free agency may involve offering core contracts to players like Monique Billings to build relationships and secure talent. The team also has the option of bringing in players for training camp to assess their fit before making final roster decisions.
Creating a Winning Culture
The Valkyries understand the importance of creating a winning culture. The team's selection of veteran players like Kayla Thornton, who knows how to win, demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive team.
Overall, the Golden State Valkyries are strategically building their team, aiming to replicate the Indiana Fever's success by creating a desirable environment for players, attracting top talent through free agency, and fostering a winning culture.
