Kate Martin and Temi Fagbenle Headline Valkyries WNBA Expansion Draft Selections
The WNBA Expansion Draft is in the books and we have our first look at the inaugural Golden State Valkyries roster, which includes a few names that probably caught fans by surprise — even if one was spoiled before the actual broadcast even started.
Kate Martin was probably the biggest name taken by Golden State and her selection was reported prior to ESPN's telecast. Martin was of course a rookie for the Las Vegas Aces last season. She played a limited role for the team but is a very popular player due to her time at Iowa playing alongside Caitlin Clark. Martin also has a close relationship with Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, as the latter was an assistant on the Aces before getting the top job in the Bay Area.
Another noteworthy pick was the selection of Temi Fagbenle from the Indiana Fever. This was again due in part to a connection to Clark, given Fagbenle and the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year had shown chemistry together in spurts for the Fever. Rebecca Lobo was amongst those expressing surprise Indiana chose not to protect her when reacting during the reveal. However, it is worth noting that Fagbenle is set to become a restricted free agent.
The complete list of Valkyries picks is listed below in alphabetical order of WNBA teams.
Former Team | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
Atlanta Dream | Iliana Rupert | Center |
Chicago Sky | Maria Conde | Forward |
Connecticut Sun | Veronica Burton | Guard |
Dallas Wings | Carla Leite | Guard |
Indiana Fever | Temi Fagbenle | Center |
Las Vegas Aces | Kate Martin | Guard |
Los Angeles Sparks | Stephanie Talbot | Forward |
Minnesota Lynx | Cecilia Zandalasini | Forward |
New York Liberty | Kayla Thornton | Forward |
Phoenix Mercury | Monique Billings | Forward |
Seattle Storm | No Selection | N/A |
Washington Mystics | Julie Vanloo | Guard |
The group of players chosen by the Valkyries does not mean their roster is complete. The team can waive any players they selected without salary cap implications, pursue free agents, and have the 5th pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft.
Regardless of any moves to come, the league's newest franchise should now have many of the players who will take the floor on opening night in tow. And the Valkyries are off to an exciting start without having taken the court.
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!