The relationship between the Bay Area teams will be good
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
The Golden State Valkyries are a new franchise set to join the WNBA in 2025 and they have their players ready after selecting them in the Expansion Draft of the league. Who better to welcome them that Warriors star player Stephen Curry.
On a video posted on social media, the NBA multi-champion had some encouraging words for the new players of the team. “I just want to say congratulations to the inaugural 2025 Valkyries squad, welcome to the Bay,” he started.
“My dad Dell Curry was an expansion draft member back in 1988 with the Charlotte Hornets so a little family history so welcome to the Bay, happy to have you, let’s get it,” he added as support from his end will be important at the begging of the new team’s journey.
A new story begins in the Bay
Based in San Francisco, the Valkyries will play their home games at the state-of-the-art Chase Center, which they will share with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Their team name and logo, featuring the Bay Bridge adorned with wings and a sword, reflect the rich history and warrior spirit of the Bay Area.
The Valkyries are poised to make a strong entrance into the league led by head coach Natalie Nakase, a former assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers. With a blend of young talent and experienced leadership, the Valkyries are set to bring a new energy to the WNBA and excite fans with their competitive play.
In the Expansion Draft they selected Iliana Rupert (Atlanta Dream), Maria Conde (Chicago Sky), Veronica Burton (Connecticut Sun), Carla Leite (Dallas Wings), Temi Fagbenle (Indiana Fever), Kate Martin (Las Vegas Aces), Stephanie Talbot (Los Angeles Sparks), Cecilia Zandalasini (Minnesota Lynx), Kayla Thornton (New York Liberty), Monique Billings (Phoenix Mercury), and Julie Vanloo (Washington Mystics). The Valkyries did not select a player from the Seattle Storm.
