Just as they're starting to really hit a groove, the Golden State Valkyries will be faced with yet another opportunity to rise above the expectations of the league and fans and show what the team is made of. At least four — maybe five — of the team's players will head to Europe this week to represent their home countries in EuroBasket, and Golden State will be tasked with reconfiguring, refocusing, and, hopefully, continuing the team's winning streak.
This week saw the departures of Kyara Linskens, Julie Vanloo, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Janelle Salaün. Linskens, who was waived presumably for the rest of the season, will join Vanloo, who will return to Golden State, to play for Belgium; Zandalasini will represent Italy, and Salaun will play for France. Temi Fágbénlé is also expected to represent Great Britain in the European tournament, and Carla Leite opted against playing in EuroBasket this year and will remain in the Bay Area throughout.
To make up for some of those gaps, the Valkyries re-signed Laeticia Amihere, who was waived ahead of the beginning of the season, and added veteran guard Aerial Powers. Iliana Rupert is also expected to join the Valkyries following the conclusion of France's tournament run.
Though players are required to return to the WNBA within 48 hours after their teams are out of the tournament, both Belgium and France are expected to perform quite well, meaning Vanloo and Salaün could be out of action for the duration of the tournament's run. The Valkyries are yet again at a crossroads, and will be called upon to dig in deep and prove to the WNBA community that they have staying power no matter who is (and isn't) on the floor.
What is EuroBasket?
EuroBasket is one of the most important international tournaments for European basketball teams. The tournament is considered the first step toward qualifying for the World Cup and the Olympics, though participating in the tournament is not the only way an athlete can make those teams.
When is EuroBasket 2025?
The 2025 EuroBasket tournament will begin on June 18, 2025, and will be played in four countries: Czechia, Germany, Greece, and Italy. The list of qualified countries includes France, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, Great Britain, Lithuania, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovakia, Latvia, Hungary, Belgium, Montenegro, and Slovenia.
What WNBA players are in EuroBasket this year?
The Valkyries are not the only team impacted by EuroBasket departures this season, though they do have the most players leaving. Right now, the Liberty is set to see Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally head off to play for Germany, the Sparks will lose Julie Allemand to Belgium, and the Wings will say goodbye to Teaira McGowan as she plays for Belgium and Luisa Geiselsode, who will support Germany. The Lynx's Jessica Shepard could also depart to represent Slovenia.