Valkyries Re-Sign Kayla Thornton, Add Center Kiah Stokes Before WNBA Draft

Golden State Valkyries bolster frontcourt with veteran signings ahead of upcoming season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:54pm by

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The Golden State Valkyries have re-signed veteran power forward Kayla Thornton to a one-year contract and signed free agent center Kiah Stokes to a multi-year deal, shoring up their frontcourt ahead of the upcoming WNBA draft. Thornton, an All-Star in 2025, is returning from a season-ending knee injury, while Stokes brings championship experience and rim protection after 11 seasons with the Las Vegas Aces.

Why it matters

The Valkyries are looking to build on their success from the 2025 season, where they made the playoffs under WNBA Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase. Retaining Thornton and adding the veteran presence of Stokes should provide a strong foundation in the frontcourt as the team prepares for the draft and the upcoming season.

The details

Thornton, 32, averaged a career-high 14 points per game in 22 starts for the Valkyries in 2025 before suffering a season-ending right knee injury. Stokes, 33, is a three-time WNBA champion who has averaged 1.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1 block per game over her 11-year career. The Valkyries also signed forward Cate Reese to a training camp contract after she went undrafted in 2023 and played professionally in Poland.

  • Thornton re-signed with the Valkyries on a one-year contract.
  • Stokes signed a multi-year deal with the Valkyries.
  • The WNBA Draft is scheduled for Monday.

The players

Kayla Thornton

A 32-year-old power forward who was an All-Star for the Valkyries in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Kiah Stokes

A 33-year-old center who has won three WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces and is known for her rim protection and defensive presence.

Cate Reese

A forward who went undrafted in 2023 but has played professionally in Poland, where she averaged a double-double.

Natalie Nakase

The Valkyries' head coach, who was named WNBA Coach of the Year in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Kayla Thornton is a key part of our team, and we're thrilled to have her back healthy and ready to contribute. Kiah Stokes is a proven winner and will provide valuable experience and defense in the frontcourt.”

— Natalie Nakase, Head Coach, Golden State Valkyries

What’s next

The Valkyries will look to continue building their roster through the WNBA Draft on Monday, where they will have the opportunity to add young talent to complement their veteran signings.

The takeaway

The Valkyries are making strategic moves to strengthen their frontcourt and position themselves for success in the upcoming WNBA season, retaining an All-Star in Kayla Thornton and adding a proven champion in Kiah Stokes to provide depth and defensive presence.