The Golden State Valkyries have a roster full of talent that has been nurtured overseas, something that makes the team pretty unique as they head into their inaugural season in the WNBA. And though the team could still make moves this free agency (and has three selections available in the 2025 draft), there's no doubt that Golden State will lean on the team's international recruits.
Here is a look at the 10 international players who are currently part of Golden State's roster. Keep in mind that some of the athletes are injured, others may or may not come stateside, and at least one hasn't signed a contract (yet) — and also that teams can only have a maximum of 12 players on a roster, so not everyone will actually play for the Valkyries this year.
Temi Fagbenle: Great Britain
Most WNBA fans are more than familiar with Fagbenle, who stood out as a defensive powerhouse with the Indiana Fever in 2024. What some fans might not realize is that before she ever came to the US, Fagbenle represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games.
While with the Fever Fagbenle could always be counted upon to pick the team up out of any hole or mess they might have found themselves in. That coupled with her ability to run the court make her one of the most fun athletes on the court. It's worth noting that though Fagbenle was drafted as part of Golden State's Expansion Draft, she has yet to sign a contract with the team.
Stephanie Talbot: Australia
Talbot was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury as the 33rd overall pick in 2014 but chose to go back home to Australia that season. The Mercury reacquired her rights in 2017, and Talbot joined the Lynx and then the Liberty, the Storm, and the Sparks before she landed at the Valkyries.
Talbot has also played for the Australian national team at the junior and senior level and represented her country at the 2016 Olympic Games. The country's style of play is more aggressive than some and attack-oriented, something Talbot is bound to bring stateside for the Valkyries — and that will help the team soar.
Julie Vanloo and Kyara Linskens: Belgium
Both Vanloo and Linskens are already generating a lot of hype leading into the Valkyries' first season. Vanloo joined the WNBA age the age of 31 when she was signed by the Mystics and the Valkyries picked her up in December's Expansion Draft. She's also a two-time Olympic veteran, and represented Belgium at the Games in 2020 and 2024. Linskens hasn't made it to the Olympics yet, but has participated in several EuroBasket tournaments (including in 2023, when Belgium won).
Belgium has made a lot of gains in recent years and was ranked No. 6 in the world by FIBA heading into last year's Olympic Games. Vanloo was touted for her shooting and her 3-point shooting in particular, which has often helped shift a game to Belgium's favor. Linskens is a similarly aggressive player, something that GM Nyanin said played a factor in the team's decision to draft her.
María Conde: Spain
Conde was signed by the Chicago Sky in the third round of the 2019 draft, but has spent most of her career playing overseas. She was selected as part of the Valkyries' December 2024 Expansion Draft, but suffered a season-ending injury in January.
Before her injury it was unclear if Conde would come over to the U.S. to play for the Valkyries this season, and now it's certain the earliest Golden State fans will see her on the court is 2026. But once she lands in California, Conde will undoubtedly thrill fans with her tenacity on and off the court.
Cecilia Zandalasini: Italy
Zandalasini was signed by the Lynx was an unrestricted free agent in 2017 and was resigned by the team the following year. She returned overseas in 2019 but was resigned by the Lynx in 2020. Zandalasini returned to the Lynx in 2024 and was picked up by the Valkyries during the Expansion Draft.
If there's one skill Zandalasini brings to Golden State, it's perimeter shooting... but it would be a mistake to discount her 3-point shooting as well. She fits in perfectly with Nyanin and Coach Nakase's oft-stated emphasis on bringing in shooters to the team.
Iliana Rupert, Carla Leite, Janelle Salaün: France
The Valkyries have added three players from France, each with a different degree of international and American experience. Rupert was added as part of the team's Expansion Draft in December, and played for France's national team in the 2024 Olympics. She was drafted by the Aces as the 12th overall pick in 2021 and moved to the Dream two years later. In addition to her basketball prowess, Rupert can bring that Olympic experience to a team that will need to learn to grow together, providing invaluable leadership.
Leite was drafted by the Wings as the No. 9 overall pick in 2024 but spent the season overseas. As a playmaker Leite is top-tier; she is a pick and roll superstar, her passing on the live dribble is elite, and her ability to distribute the ball is going to help make the Valkyries more of a threat than they might have been otherwise.
Salaün, who has most recently played overseas with Famila Schio, will need to work on her 3-point shot but overall has demonstrated she isn't scared to take it — something the Valkyries will be able to work with. Though she went undrafted in 2023, Salaün has since improved her game and can attack the rim and convert jump shots with ease.
Laeticia Amihere: Canada
Amihere was drafted by the Dream as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 draft, and officially made her WNBA debut that season. She returned for the 2024 season, but was waived in 2025. The Valkyries added Amihere to the roster by way of a waiver claim in February 2025.
Amihere also has a ton of experience as a member of the Canadian national team and represented her country in the 2020 and the 2024 Olympic Games. She's known for speed and fast-tempo game, something the Valkyries are very likely to utilize.