Valkyries should let this determine success in first season

The WNBA regular season opens on May 16, 2025, which means the Golden State Valkyries have 93 days until tip-off — and every day counts.

There is a lot Golden State needs to consider before the season begins, but if there is one key area the Valks have to hone in on, it's building a foundation that will ensure marquee-name veterans want to join the team in 2026.

2025 WNBA Free Agency showed one thing is true

If there is one lesson to take from this year's free agency, it's that WNBA players want to play for teams who value them in every way. This includes teams that prioritize practice facilities and the ability for players to leave their stuff at the same gym where they play (still not a given for each team), as well as teams that provide fair pensions and childcare support.

But before players can be overly concerned with facility size and benefits, they want to know the team they play for is solid, and that's what the Valkyries need to keep in mind.

The Golden State Valkyries have continued to build an impressive roster

The Valkyries have so far made a few key moves during free agency that will help lay the foundation for what's to come. The team's biggest decision was signing Tiffany Hayes, a move that will give the team the veteran leadership and competitive edge they need. Hayes averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and a 3-pointer percentage of 40% last year for Las Vegas. Those stats are an excellent foundation for Golden State, who have the space to allow Hayes to build the expansion team from the ground up.

But Hayes isn't the only strong player the team has locked in. In addition to fan favorite Kate Martin, the team signed several European athletes who have years of experience playing on their national teams and professionally.

This list includes Kyara Linskens, Chloe Bibby, and Janelle Salaün. Of those three, Salaün is an especially exciting addition. Though she went undrafted in 2023, she's since spent her years developing in the EuroLeague, where she's most recently averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals for Famila Schio.

An updated Valkyries depth chart is beginning to come together

These recent additions have changed a few things when it comes to the Valkyries' depth chart. Following the Expansion Draft, here's what we had in mind for the team:

After free agency, here's what we see now (changes are bolded):