Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft Set For December 6 On ESPN – Hoopfeed.com

The WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries is gearing up to build its inaugural roster ahead of the 2025 season. The league will host the Golden State Expansion Draft on Friday, December 6, broadcast on ESPN. During the draft, the Valkyries will select players from a pool made available by the league’s 12 existing teams.

Each of the current teams must submit a roster list, including players from active, suspended, draft/reserved, core, and retired lists, following the conclusion of the 2024 season. These teams will be allowed to protect up to six players, while the remaining players will be eligible for selection by Golden State.

The Valkyries can select one player from each of the 12 teams, acquiring either a player’s contract or negotiating rights. However, they may only select one unrestricted free agent, provided the player hasn’t played under a Core Player contract for more than two seasons. Golden State may then designate this player as its Core Player by January.

In addition to the draft, Golden State can engage in trades with other teams between the submission of the roster lists and the day before the Expansion Draft. These trades could involve agreements to select or avoid certain players from the available pool.

Once the Expansion Draft concludes, any unrestricted free agents not selected will be free to sign with any team, including the Valkyries, when the free agency period begins in February. The team’s roster-building process marks a significant milestone as it prepares to compete in the league’s 2025 season.