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Valkyries Select 11 Players, Including Iliana Rupert, in WNBA's First Expansion Draft in 16 Years

Dec 6, 2024, 11:45 PM

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's newest expansion team and first since 2008, held their expansion draft presented by State Farm on Friday, December 6, 2024, marking the league's first such event in 16 years. Ahead of the draft, the Valkyries unveiled their inaugural season jerseys and held a scavenger hunt throughout Oakland and San Francisco for fans to obtain them. Led by head coach Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries selected 11 players from the existing 12 WNBA teams, opting not to pick from the Seattle Storm. Iliana Rupert from the Atlanta Dream was chosen as their first pick. Other key selections include Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces, Kayla Thornton from the New York Liberty, Maria Conde from the Chicago Sky, Veronica Burton from the Connecticut Sun, Temi Fagbenle from the Indiana Fever, Stephanie Talbot from the Los Angeles Sparks, and Carla Leite from the Dallas Wings. The event was broadcast live on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. ET, with rapper E-40 and NBA legend Baron Davis announcing some of the selections. NBA star Steph Curry welcomed the new members to the Bay Area.