Golden State Valkyries Pursue WNBA All-Star in Free Agency

The Valkyries are reportedly targeting Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams to bolster their roster ahead of the second season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:40pm by

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors like electric blue, neon orange, and metallic silver, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Valkyries' pursuit of Gabby Williams signals their intent to assemble a championship-caliber roster in their second WNBA season.San Francisco Today

The Golden State Valkyries, coming off a successful debut season as an expansion team in the WNBA, are reportedly pursuing free agent Gabby Williams, a WNBA All-Star and All-Defensive First Team selection in 2025. Williams, a 29-year-old forward for the Seattle Storm, is said to be a top target for the Valkyries as they look to add more talent to their roster.

Why it matters

The Valkyries' pursuit of Williams highlights their ambition to build on their inaugural season success and become a contender in the WNBA. Williams' defensive prowess and all-around game could be a valuable addition to the Valkyries' lineup as they aim to take the next step in their development as a franchise.

The details

According to reports, the Valkyries have expressed interest in signing Williams, who had a breakout 2025 season with the Storm, earning her first All-Star selection and making the All-Defensive First Team. Williams, who has previously missed WNBA seasons to prioritize international competition for France, played the entire 2025 season in Seattle and averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. She also led the WNBA in total steals with 99.

  • The WNBA free agency window opened on Wednesday, allowing players to start talking to new teams.
  • Players can officially sign with new teams starting on Saturday.

The players

Gabby Williams

A 29-year-old forward for the Seattle Storm who earned her first WNBA All-Star selection and made the All-Defensive First Team in 2025.

Janelle Salaun

A French player for the Golden State Valkyries who won a silver medal with the French national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Gabby Williams.

Iliana Rupert

A French player for the Golden State Valkyries who won a silver medal with the French national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Gabby Williams. Rupert is also playing with Williams for Turkish club Fenerbahce during the WNBA offseason.

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What’s next

The Valkyries will have another chance to add players to their roster in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, where they have the eighth pick in each of the draft's three rounds.

The takeaway

The Valkyries' pursuit of Gabby Williams, a WNBA All-Star and All-Defensive First Team selection, demonstrates their ambition to build a contender in their second season. The addition of Williams' defensive prowess and all-around game could be a significant boost as the Valkyries look to build on their successful inaugural campaign.