SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries,the WNBA‘s newest franchise,unveiled their inaugural roster Friday night,marking a historic moment for the Bay Area and the league itself. General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin and her staff faced a unique challenge: informing each selected player before news broke elsewhere, navigating time zones and schedules to ensure a personal touch.
“I just want these players to be happy,” Nyanin said.“I want them to understand the chance that they have to come and be historians. Once you get to put on that jersey and you get to sit in front of a packed Chase Center, your whole experience is going to change.”
the Valkyries’ first picks included center Iliana Rupert from Atlanta, guards Veronica Burton of Connecticut and Carla Leite of Dallas, and forward Maria Conde from Chicago. The roster was rounded out with a diverse group of talented players, including Indiana center Temi Fagbenle, Las Vegas guard kate Martin, and veterans like Kayla Thornton, fresh off a WNBA championship with the New York Liberty.
“It’s a pretty cool opportunity. I feel really grateful to be a part of it. It’s a part of history, a new WNBA team,” said Martin, a second-round draft pick this year who played with Caitlin Clark at Iowa. “they haven’t had an expansion draft in a really long time. It’s something super cool to be a part of,and I feel really grateful that they chose me. It’s just going to be a lot of fun.”
Nyanin described the process of building a team from scratch as “complex,” emphasizing the human element behind each selection. “These are 11 humans, right? They all thought one thing and they woke up today or are still sleeping and they’re a part of the Golden State Valkyries,” she said.
The Valkyries plan to be active in free agency, which begins in February, further shaping their roster. Coach Natalie Nakase highlighted the team’s meticulous scouting and collaborative approach. “We kind of did this cycle, where we collaborate, we discuss and then we go watch film, then do it again … and that went over and over again for about two months. And finally we decided, we picked the best players that fit our culture. So we’re excited and can’t wait to get going,” Nakase said.
This expansion draft marked the WNBA’s first in 16 years, as the Atlanta Dream joined the league in 2008. the Valkyries, set to begin play next season, are poised to make their mark on the league and captivate Bay Area fans.
The San Francisco Bay Area is gearing up for a new era of women’s basketball as the WNBA expands with the addition of the San Francisco Valkyries. The team, set to begin play in 2025, has already generated meaningful buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of top-tier talent.
The Valkyries will call Chase Center, the state-of-the-art home of the golden State Warriors, their home court. Practices will take place across the bay at the Warriors’ Oakland training facility, further solidifying the team’s connection to the Bay Area’s rich basketball history.
Even before the team takes the court, the Valkyries are making waves. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, currently sidelined with an injury, showed his support by sporting a Valkyries jersey with the number 25 during a recent game against the Houston Rockets.
The excitement surrounding the Valkyries extends beyond the Bay Area.”There is already plenty of hype in San Francisco and beyond,” said team co-owner and president, [Name].
The initial outreach to potential players has been met with enthusiasm. “We got some really good reactions,” shared [Name]. “We talked about it just internally the three of us, like, ‘Should we have taped that, should we have kind of screen recorded or something?’ I’m very happy that we didn’t. That’s a moment that we will get to share just the four of us with each of the different athletes.”
As the Valkyries prepare for their inaugural season, the anticipation continues to build. The team’s arrival promises to elevate the profile of women’s basketball in the Bay Area and beyond.
## Building From Scratch: An Interview wiht Golden State Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin
**World today News:** General Manager Nyanin, congratulations on assembling the Golden State Valkyrie’s inaugural roster. This is a momentous occasion for the WNBA and the Bay Area.
**Ohemaa nyanin:** Thank you! It’s certainly been an unbelievable journey. Building a team from scratch is a unique challenge, but the excitement of laying the foundation for something new is truly exhilarating.
**WTN:** You mentioned the importance of personally informing each selected player before the news broke publicly. Why was that so crucial for you?
**ON:** For me, it was about respect and honouring their journeys. These women have dedicated their lives to their sport, and receiving this news is a momentous occasion. A personal touch, irrespective of the time zone, was the least we could do to acknowledge their achievement and express our genuine excitement to have them join the Valkyries.
**WTN:** You’ve assembled a truly diverse roster, encompassing a mix of established veterans like Kayla Thornton and promising young talent like Kate Martin.What was yoru vision for the team’s composition?
**ON:** We wanted to strike a balance between experience and potential,creating a team culture that fosters both mentorship and growth. Veterans like Kayla bring invaluable leadership and championship pedigree, while our younger players inject fresh energy and dynamism.
This diverse blend will not only benefit the team on the court but also contribute to the unique identity of the Valkyries.
**WTN:** Kate Martin, your second-round pick, expressed her excitement about being part of history. Did you see a particular spark in her that made her a standout candidate?
**ON**: Absolutely! Kate embodies the spirit and determination we’re looking for.Her journey with Caitlin Clark at Iowa speaks volumes about her talent and drive. We believe she has the potential to flourish within our system and contribute considerably to the team’s success.
**WTN:** You described the process of building the roster as “complex.” Could you elaborate on the challenges you faced and how you navigated them?
**ON:**
Beyond the logistical aspects,the biggest challenge was undoubtedly the human element. These are 11 individuals with dreams, aspirations, and personal lives. Every decision influenced their futures, and that responsibility weighed heavily. We had to be meticulous, empathetic, and ultimately, make choices that we believed would best serve both the players and the Valkyries’ long-term vision.
**WTN:** Looking ahead, what are your immediate priorities as you prepare for the inaugural season?
**ON:**
right now, it’s all about building a strong foundation for the Valkyries. We’ll focus on fostering team cohesion, implementing our strategic vision, and connecting with the Bay Area community. We want to create an atmosphere that empowers our players, excites our fans, and leaves its mark on the WNBA landscape.
