New Faces, Bigger Expectations for Valkyries in 2026

From left to right, Golden State Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin, forward Gabby Williams and head coach Natalie Nakase answer questions during a news conference introducing Williams to the team before a preseason WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm in San Francisco, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Yalonda M. James/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

Riding the momentum of their historic inaugural season, the Golden State Valkyries are hopeful that their revamped roster will lead to even greater success. After finishing 23-21 and becoming the first expansion team in league history to reach the playoffs, the Valkyries are looking to prove that they’re a true force to be reckoned with. 

Determined to build on last season’s success, the Valkyries were aggressive with their roster moves this offseason. The team added All-Star forward Gabby Williams, who is coming off a career-best season with averages of 11.6 points, 4.2 assists, 2.3 steals, and 85.3% from the free throw line. The Valkyries also added veteran center Kiah Stokes, a three-time WNBA champion, signing her to a multi-year contract. The 2024 Sixth Woman of the Year, Tiffany Hayes, was re-signed on a one-year deal. 

On draft night this year, the Valkyries shook things up. The team drafted LSU’s standout Flau-jae Johnson with their No. 8 overall pick. Later that night, they made a trade with the Seattle Storm, giving up Johnson for No. 16 pick, Marta Suarez, and a 2028 second-round pick. Suarez, a 6’ 3” forward, is coming off a standout 2025 season at TCU, where she earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. She averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting 37% from beyond the arc. 

In addition to Suarez, the Valkyries added guards Ashlon Jackson with the No. 23 overall pick and Koro Tanaka with the No. 38 pick. Jackson helped lead Duke to the Elite Eight. She also ranks second all-time in program history with 235 career 3-pointers. Tanaka recently stood out at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament, scoring 10.8 points per game while shooting 90.9% from the free throw line. 

Early signs of this new team’s potential were on display in their lone preseason game on April 25. The Valkyries secured a 78-76 victory over the Seattle Storm, showcasing their perimeter shooting as they knocked down 15 3-three pointers and shot 45% from beyond the arc. The teams battled back and forth, but Golden State pulled away in the final quarter, out-scoring Seattle 24-20. 

However, the team may face an early challenge. A few days after their game against the Storm, guard Kate Martin was diagnosed with a grade two right quad strain. She is set to be reevaluated on May 5, just days before their regular season begins.

The regular season will kick off on May 8 with a rematch against their preseason adversary, the Seattle Storm. Shortly after, the Valkyries will be back in the Bay for their home opener against the Phoenix Sun on May 10. The start of the season will show what this new chapter of Valkyries basketball might look like, and if they have what it takes to be a dominant team in an increasingly talented league.