When—or if—a new CBA is signed, the WNBA is in for a wild free agency period. Every veteran except for Lexie Brown and Kalani Brown will be a free agent. Some players, like A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, among others, likely won’t be on the move, but other stars could look for new opportunities with new teams.
The Golden State Valkyries could add to the chaos by chasing some of the biggest free agents in the game and trying to lure them away from their current teams. It’s no secret that the Valkyries want to build a championship contender. They will have to pull off some big moves in free agency to do that, but they are set up well to do just that.
The Valkyries could be an appealing destination for some of the best veterans in the league for a few reasons: they established a winning culture, proved that they could win even when the odds are stacked against them, they have the modern facilities veteran stars value, and they showed their willingness to invest in their players. Playing for a competitive team that sold out every home game in its first season could be exactly what some of the best veterans in the league are looking for.
If the Valkyries can make appealing pitches to some impactful free agents, they wouldn’t just hurt the teams trying to re-sign those players, but also other teams hoping to upgrade their rosters. Now that the Valkyries are an established force, competing with them in free agency won’t be easy for some franchises.
The Valkyries could steal stars from several teams in free agency
The Valkyries undoubtedly already have their eyes on a number of players: veterans who can lead the team on a deep playoff run alongside Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton.
One of the teams they could steal some of those stars from is Minnesota. The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant already predicted that some of Minnesota’s starters could be lured away by a bigger contract or a bigger role. Now that Napheesa Collier has to miss four to six months and likely won’t be able to play until the second half of the WNBA season—unless there is a significant delay—that is even more likely. Without Collier, the Lynx won’t be able to compete with the likes of Las Vegas, New York, and Phoenix. So, some of the older stars may be on their way out.
Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith would be great fits for the Valkyries’ 3-point-heavy system that thrives on defensive tenacity. Smith just shared Defensive Player of the Year honors with A’ja Wilson, and McBride is a strong defender on the perimeter. On the offensive end, Smith can space the floor and operate in the paint, which makes her the perfect big to play in many different lineups. McBride is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league and can be a top scoring option for a competitive team. Adding someone like her could completely revamp the Valkyries’ offense, especially if paired with other stars.
The Valkyries could also benefit from the Storm’s recent struggles. After two early playoff exits, the Storm parted ways with Noelle Quinn and hired a rookie head coach. Seattle may want to redirect its focus to Dominique Malonga and their 2026 lottery pick, which could prompt Nneka Ogwumike to look for an opportunity to compete elsewhere. The Valkyries could offer her that opportunity as well as a big role for a team with excellent facilities.
Azurá Stevens, who competed with Veronica Burton for the Most Improved Player award, should also be on the Valkyries’ wish list. Stevens defends well, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, and improved significantly as a 3-point shooter. With Brink back, Stevens’s role with the Sparks will diminish. The Valkyries could lure her away with the offer of a bigger role.
Arike Ogunbowale has been rumored to be on her way out of Dallas ever since the team drafted Paige Bueckers and she established herself as the face of the franchise. New head coach Jose Fernandez seems prepared to coach Ogunbowale next season, but she will have plenty of options in free agency. With the Valkyries, she could become a top scoring option on the perimeter again and reunite with Burton.
These are just some of the players the Valkyries could steal away from their current teams in free agency. Considering their ambitions and everything that makes the Valkyries such an appealing destination, many other players could consider joining them.