Going into their second season, the Golden State Valkyries were subject to the same poaching that made them the first expansion team to make the WNBA playoffs. With all 13 existing teams allowed to protect up to five players for Friday’s expansion draft, the Valkyries lost two, both European players: former rookie reserve Carla Leite and EuroLeague star forward Maria Conde.
Portland Fire general manager Vanja Černivec, who previously served as the vice president of basketball operations for the Valkyries during their first campaign, picked Leite in the first round of the expansion draft. Leite, a 21-year-old native of France, averaged 17.2 minutes and 7.2 points per game for the Valkyries.
Leite was selected by the Dallas Wings at No. 9 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft but opted to stay overseas. Golden State selected her in the expansion draft ahead of its debut season. Leite was one of seven rookies to record at least 250 points, 70 assists and 40 rebounds.
Conde, 29, has yet to play a game in the WNBA. The Valkyries maintained the WNBA rights to Conde before she was selected by the Toronto Tempo in the first round.
A third-round draft pick of the Chicago Sky in 2019, the Spanish forward has become a standout player in Europe. She missed the 2025 WNBA season due to an Achilles injury. Upon her recovery, she averaged 11.1 points and 5.9 assists per game, leading Beretta Familia Schio to the EuroLeague quarterfinals in the 2025-26 season. Most recently, Conde scored 9.3 points per game for Spain at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament last month.
“Growth is rarely easy, especially in a league finding its footing, and it is essential,” Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in a statement. “The expansion draft reflects that progress, a necessary step toward something bigger than any one team. We will forever be grateful to every player who willingly chose to build with us, whether from the Bay or from afar, in year one; their commitment laid the foundation of Ballhalla. Carla and María are part of our canvas, and we are thankful for their impact. We wish them nothing but the best as they continue their journey.”
As a double-figure scorer (11.9), Burton led Golden State in assists (6.0 per game). Unrestricted free agent Kayla Thornton in limited games was the only Valkyries player with more points per game (14.0). Salaün averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, and Zandalasini added 10.5 points per game as a 41% 3-point shooter.
Thornton, the team’s lone All-Star last season, is one of five Valkyries unrestricted free agents entering a crowded pool of players looking for their next contract under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, marked by a significantly higher salary scale. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes and veteran center Temi Fagbenle, both of whom played important minutes for Golden State last season, are also free agents.