The WNBA’s 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries, will finally get to build its roster.
Since news dropped nearly a year ago that the league would be adding an expansion team in the Bay Area, there’s been a ton of excitement around the organization, including partnerships with Sue Bird’s Togethxr brand and who the team might draft, according to singer Kehlani.
Speaking of potential players, who will be on Golden State’s roster when the 2025 season kicks off is still a mystery. But *how* the Valkyries acquire athletes is now available. Per the WNBA, the Golden State Expansion Draft is on December 6. Here’s how the Valkyries will build a team:
- After each team completes the 2024 season, it will be required to submit a roster list to the WNBA before the expansion draft that includes every player to whom the franchise has rights as of the final day of the 2024 regular season. (This consists of any players who are active, suspended, on a draft list/reserved, cored and retired.)
- The submitted roster list must designate up to six players considered “protected” and unavailable for the draft. All other players on the roster list are eligible for the Valkyries to acquire.
- Golden State can acquire the contract or negotiating rights to one available player from each of the 12 teams/the available pool. Additionally, the Valkyries will only be able to select one player in the expansion draft who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season.
- Golden State is permitted to make trades with teams before the draft, including for specific players and moving those players to another team
The Expansion Draft for Golden State is set for December 6, 2024. Time to be announced. Swipe for the Expansion Draft process ➡️
We can’t wait to gather with our #Valkyries community and will share watch party details as we get closer to the event date. Stay tuned! 💜 pic.twitter.com/cvYKprucTa
— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) September 30, 2024
