Golden State Valkyries fans are eagerly waiting to learn who will make up the team's roster in their inaugural season in 2025. First up is the expansion draft on Dec. 6. The Valkyries will choose from a designated pool of players that the other teams didn't protect.
The organization will leave the expansion draft with some good young talent, which will happen again after the 2025 WNBA Draft. Golden State holds the No. 5 overall pick and could select a player like Azzi Fudd if the guard isn't off the board.
The Valkyries could also get lucky and start the season with an already-established WNBA star on their roster via the expansion draft or free agency. It might seem like a long shot, but counting Golden State out would be premature.
3 Current stars the Valkyries should be eyeing to be face of the franchise
Kelsey Plum
Kelsey Plum is an unrestricted free agent, meaning she could be the first Aces star to leave Las Vegas. The Aces could give Plum the "core" designation, meaning Las Vegas would hold onto her rights in free agency. Plum would be offered a one-year, supermax contract in a year where all the top free agents will be looking for single year deals.
It seems likely that the Aces will "core" Plum, but that decision is still unknown. Even if they do, Plum could push for a trade. She's certainly the type of player the Valkyries should be monitoring, especially considering her relationship with former Las Vegas assistant and current Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase.
The Valkyries won't have issues selling tickets; in fact, their season ticket demand set a record (subscription required) in women's professional sports. With Plum running the show, the demand for the hottest ticket in the Bay Area would increase.
Kelsey Mitchell
Like Plum, Kelsey Mitchell is an unrestricted free agent. The Fever could give Mitchell the "core" designation. Indiana president of basketball operations Kelly Krauskopf recently said it would be "irresponsible" if the Fever didn't "core" Mitchell. She's coming off the best season of her career, averaging 19.2. points per game on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 40.2 percent from deep.
In a recent piece for The Player's Tribune, Mitchell wrote, "I'll be honest, I don't know what colors I'll be wearing next year..." She added that she's "looking forward" to experiencing free agency for the first time and having a say in her future.
Even though the current signs indicate Mitchell will remain in Indiana, she should still be on Golden State's radar.
Courtney Vandersloot
You might be wondering why Courtney Vandersloot is on this list. The 2024 WNBA Champions could choose not to protect the 35-year-old in the expansion draft.
Vandersloot's prime is in the rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't be a valuable addition to a young Valkyries squad. She'd be the perfect veteran because she offers more than a valuable locker room presence. This past season was the first time since 2016 that Sloot didn't average double digits in points per game.
With an increased role in the Bay Area, Vandersloot could get back on track. Her time with the Valkyries would be brief as she's at the end stages of her career, but it would still be impactful.
Golden State will do its due diligence and evaluate all its options, even the ones that don't seem attainable. Never say never.