Story perspectives

Valkyries Make History as WNBA's First Expansion Playoff Team

1/15/2026

24 5

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 Golden State Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, finishing with a 23-21 record.
Eight of their top ten scorers were selected from the expansion draft, including Iliana Rupert, who averaged 9.3 points and 9 rebounds.
Veronica Burton started all 44 games, averaged 11.9 points, and won the Most Improved Player award.
Kayla Thornton averaged 14 points before a knee injury, while Carla Leite contributed 7.2 points per game.
The Valkyries' success prompts speculation about future expansion teams like the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 2025 Golden State Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, finishing with a 23-21 record.
Eight of their top ten scorers were selected from the expansion draft, including Iliana Rupert, who averaged 9.3 points and 9 rebounds.
Veronica Burton started all 44 games, averaged 11.9 points, and won the Most Improved Player award.
Kayla Thornton averaged 14 points before a knee injury, while Carla Leite contributed 7.2 points per game.
The Valkyries' success prompts speculation about future expansion teams like the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.