Golden State Valkyries Make Franchise-Altering Move in WNBA Free Agency

Expansion team signs star player in second season

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:25am by

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Valkyries' team colors of blue, gold, and white, conveying the dynamic energy and rapid growth of this new franchise.The Valkyries' bold offseason move signals their intent to build a championship contender in just their second WNBA season.San Francisco Today

The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team in the WNBA, made a major move in free agency by signing a star player in just their second season. The Valkyries set attendance records in their inaugural season and are looking to build on that success.

Why it matters

The Valkyries' ability to attract top talent in free agency so early in their franchise's history is a testament to the team's strong start and the growing popularity of the WNBA in the Bay Area. This signing could help the Valkyries cement their status as a contender in the league.

The details

The Valkyries signed a high-profile free agent player to their roster, further bolstering their team after a successful inaugural season that saw them make the playoffs. This move is expected to help the Valkyries build on their initial success and establish themselves as a top team in the WNBA.

  • The Valkyries made the playoffs in their inaugural 2025 season.
  • The Valkyries set all-time regular-season attendance records at Chase Center in their first year.

The players

Golden State Valkyries

An expansion team in the WNBA that made the playoffs in its inaugural 2025 season and set attendance records at Chase Center.

Gabby

A star player who the Valkyries signed in free agency in their second season, a move that is expected to help the team cement its status as a contender in the WNBA.

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The takeaway

The Valkyries' ability to attract top talent in free agency so early in their franchise's history is a testament to the team's strong start and the growing popularity of the WNBA in the Bay Area. This signing could help the Valkyries cement their status as a contender in the league.