The Golden State Valkyries waived Laeticia Amihere in a rather surprising move on Wednesday. Amihere, who scored 20 points in a preseason game, was seemingly on track to make the final roster before Wednesday's announcement. Amihere seemed to confirm the news herself by posting a message on X (formerly Twitter).
"Thank you fams and everyone for the love," Amihere wrote. "To God be the glory and thank you Valkyries for the opportunity."
Following the Valkyries' expansion draft, Amihere, who had been waived by the Atlanta Dream, was claimed by Golden State. At just 23 years old, Amihere was instantly a candidate to make the final roster. Her strong preseason only strengthened that narrative.
The Valkyries' decision led to confusion and backlash on X.
"Laeticia Amihere had been WAIVED by the Valkyries after scoring 20 points in 19 minutes against the Sparks," Women's Hoops Network wrote.
"Laeticia Amihere not making this roster after having a 20-point preseason game is the most mind-boggling decision of the entire WNBA preseason for me," Matt Dowell added. "I haven't understood anything the Valkyries have done so far..."
"Laeticia Amihere gone?? Yeah i don’t like what’s going on in Golden State right now," Nick Andre shared.
Golden State's previous decision to waive Shyanne Sellers -- who was drafted by the Valkyries in 2025 -- drew enough backlash of its own. However, an expansion franchise making a questionable decision was not especially surprising. Expansion teams sometimes require a few years to figure out their direction as a franchise. However, the Valkyries have now made two shocking roster cuts.
In other words, the Valkyries have already shocked fans despite not even having played a regular season game in the WNBA yet. That is not how they wanted to begin their story in the league.
The Valkyries now have their final roster set for the regular season, though. They will attempt to shock fans in a positive way during the '25 campaign by making a postseason run. Of course, accomplishing that feat will be difficult given the amount of talent around the league.
The Valkyries will host the Los Angeles Sparks to begin the WNBA season on May 16 at 10 PM EST. Golden State will then host the Washington Mystics on Wednesday in the second game of the year. The team would love to start the season strong as they adjust to playing at the WNBA level.