In a dazzling development for the WNBA, Natalie Nakase, head coach of the league’s shiny new franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, is buzzing with optimism about a rookie class that seems ready to change everything. With high-flying Caitlin Clark at the helm, plus powerhouses like Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Rickea Jackson, Nakase believes the future of the league is in electric hands. If you thought women’s basketball was starting to look fierce, brace yourself—these rookies are rewriting the rules.
Reflecting on her first few weeks shaping the Valkyries, Nakase, who previously worked with the Las Vegas Aces and the LA Clippers, recently shared her enthusiasm with Front Office Sports’ Colin Salao. “Having these rookies in the league is just amazing,” Nakase gushed, her excitement practically jumping through the screen. “Anytime you have players like Caitlin and Angel—and don’t even get me started on Brink and Jackson—you know something special is happening. Their first year is setting a tone that only brings good things for the WNBA.”
And it’s not just the Valkyries who are leveling up; Nakase points out that A’ja Wilson’s two-way game and soaring popularity are expanding the league’s narrative. “When you have talent like A’ja, and then you add in the new blood—it’s not just about showing up to play; it’s about changing the entire culture. People are finally seeing what makes the WNBA truly exciting.”
The 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft: Golden State Gets Strategic
But let’s pump the brakes a little before declaring the Valkyries immediate title contenders. First, there’s the not-so-simple matter of the WNBA Expansion Draft, where Nakase and her team will have to exercise their skills in both scouting and finesse. While they get the chance to pull in players from all 12 existing teams, those teams can shield up to six of their stars, which means the Valkyries are looking at a mix of rising talent and potentially unpolished gems.
Adding a twist, the Valkyries can only choose a single player slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. As fans watch Nakase’s strategy unfold, one thing is for sure: the roster might take a season or two to fully gel. And if you were hoping for a golden debut season, you might want to adjust those expectations just a little bit.
The real excitement, however, might lie in the 2025 WNBA Draft. While everyone wonders what draft pick the Valkyries will nab, history says it might not be No. 1. The last two expansion teams, the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream, also didn’t get first dibs in their rookie season. But hey, that won’t stop the Valkyries from putting their name on the map.
It’s a new era for the WNBA, and the Golden State Valkyries are determined to soar—just as long as they can dodge a few obstacles along the way.