Chicago City Wire

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's 13th franchise, are preparing for their expansion draft set to occur on Friday, Dec. 6. During this event, the team will have the chance to select players from a pool submitted by each of the existing 12 teams.

Each team has submitted a list that includes every player they hold rights to—whether active, suspended, drafted/reserved, core, or retired. From these lists, teams were required to designate up to six "protected" players who are unavailable for selection by the Valkyries. The remaining players on each team's roster can be selected.

The Valkyries must adhere to specific rules during this process. They can only obtain the contract or negotiating rights of one player per team and are not obligated to use all 12 selections available to them. Additionally, they possess the No. 5 pick in each round of the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft.

If a player is unsigned for the 2025 season and selected by Golden State, they will inherit whatever rights that player's current club would have held. For instance, if a restricted free agent is chosen by the Valkyries, they gain the right of first refusal initially held by that player's original team.

Golden State is permitted to choose only one player who will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. This selection can be made if the player has not been designated as a core player for two or more seasons. The Valkyries may then assign this unrestricted free agent as their core player later in the offseason. Any unselected unrestricted and restricted free agents will enter free agency as usual.

Additionally, Golden State can negotiate trades with other teams either by selecting a player from another team and trading them or reaching an agreement not to select a certain player.

Twelve players finished last season on the Sky’s standard roster: Lindsay Allen, Rachel Banham, Kamilla Cardoso, Chennedy Carter, Diamond DeShields, Dana Evans, Isabelle Harrison, Moriah Jefferson, Michaela Onyenwere, Angel Reese, Brianna Turner, and Elizabeth Williams.

The expansion draft will be broadcast live on ESPN at 5:30 p.m. CT on Dec. 6.