The Golden State Valkyries' future hangs in the balance as the 2026 schedule is revealed, but the team's fate remains shrouded in mystery. With the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations at a standstill, the Valkyries' management faces a challenging task in building a competitive roster for Year 2. But here's where it gets tricky: the team's ability to make moves is on hold until a new CBA is reached.
The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have been unable to agree on revenue sharing, leaving the Valkyries and their fans in limbo. The team's inaugural season saw its top draft picks Justė Jocytė and Shyanne Sellers unavailable, but Jocytė is expected to join the team this year. However, the fate of other players is less certain.
The Valkyries' schedule includes 44 games, with a season opener against the Seattle Storm. But the team's roster remains a puzzle, as the franchise aims to sign top free agents. The uncertainty extends to ticket sales, leaving fans eager to secure their seats for the upcoming season at Chase Center.
And this is the part most fans are curious about: the fate of key players. Restricted free agent Veronica Burton, a standout in last season's playoff run, is expected to stay. All-Star Kayla Thornton, recovering from an injury, seems to be in the team's plans, judging by her appearance in the schedule announcement. But the question remains: how many players can the Valkyries protect in the upcoming expansion draft?
The WNBA's expansion plans for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire further complicate matters. The Valkyries' management must navigate these challenges, leaving the future of rotation players like Carla Leite, Kate Martin, and Cecilia Zandalasini hanging in the balance.
As the Valkyries' story unfolds, fans are left wondering what Year 2 will bring. Will the team overcome these obstacles and build a championship-caliber roster? Only time will tell, and the fate of the Golden State Valkyries lies in the hands of the WNBA, the WNBPA, and the collective bargaining agreement.
