All-Star Gabby Williams joins Golden State Valkyries on multiyear deal

Williams, an All-Star and All-Defensive First Team selection, signs with expansion team in Day 2 of WNBA free agency

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:53pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or action, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Valkyries' signing of All-Star guard Gabby Williams signals their intent to build a championship contender in the WNBA.Chicago Today

All-Star guard Gabby Williams has signed a multiyear deal with the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA expansion team announced on Sunday. Williams, who averaged a career-high 11.6 points and 4.2 assists last season for the Seattle Storm, was also named to the All-Defensive First Team after leading the league in steals.

Why it matters

The Valkyries, in just their second year of existence, have landed one of the WNBA's top two-way players, further bolstering their roster and solidifying their status as a rising contender in the league.

The details

Williams, 29, was drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Sky in 2018 and has since played for the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm. She will now join the Valkyries, who made the playoffs in their inaugural season, the first time an expansion team had accomplished that feat.

  • On Sunday, the Golden State Valkyries announced that they had signed Gabby Williams to a multiyear deal.
  • Last season, Williams averaged a career-high 11.6 points and 4.2 assists for the Seattle Storm.

The players

Gabby Williams

A 29-year-old guard who was named an All-Star and to the All-Defensive First Team last season after leading the WNBA in steals.

Ohemaa Nyanin

The general manager of the Golden State Valkyries, who said that signing a player of Williams' caliber in just the team's second year 'means everything.'

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What they’re saying

“For a player of Gabby's caliber to choose us in just our second year … means everything. She is world-class. One of the best defenders in the world, a WNBA All-Star, and someone who makes everyone around her better.”

— Ohemaa Nyanin, Valkyries General Manager

What’s next

The Valkyries will look to build on their successful inaugural season with the addition of Gabby Williams, who will be expected to be a key contributor on both ends of the floor.

The takeaway

The Valkyries' ability to attract a player of Gabby Williams' caliber in just their second season of existence is a testament to the team's strong start and bright future in the WNBA.