Gabby Williams’ Move to the Golden State Valkyries: A Turning Point

Free-agent Gabby Williams entered her seventh WNBA season with a clear priority: a championship. After consulting coaches, general managers, and peers, she accepted a contract with the Golden State Valkyries on the eve of the signing window. Within 18 games, Williams posted a career-high 16.3 points per game, led the team in scoring, and assumed the role of on-court leader.

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Williams grew up in Alameda, across the Bay Bridge from the Valkyries’ home arena. She played AAU for the Bay Area Bulldawgs and Mission Rec Rebels, and her siblings competed at City College of San Francisco and Cal State. The Bay Area’s basketball culture shaped her defensive tenacity, and the move reunites her with family for the first time since her teenage years.

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• Gabby Williams – All-Star forward, two-way specialist.

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• Natalie Nakase – Head coach, credited Williams as “one of the best two-way players in the world.”

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• Joe Lacob – Valkyries owner, whose vision of “building dynasties” attracted Williams.

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• Veronica Burton – Teammate who highlighted Williams’ transition to a scoring-focused role.

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Williams entered the league as a defensive anchor, earning UConn’s Defensive Player of the Year (2016-17), Best Defensive Player at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and All-Defensive first-team honors (2025). In 2025 she led the WNBA in steals. Offensively, she broke the double-digit scoring barrier in 2024 (10.3 ppg) and now averages 16.3 ppg with a 37.1 % three-point rate. She has already made 36 threes, on pace to surpass her 2025 high of 50, while contributing 5.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.

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The Valkyries, in only their second season, have cycled 16 starting lineups and withstood injuries—including a season-ending knee injury to leading scorer Kayla Thornton—without “imploding.” Williams’ defensive versatility and emerging offensive leadership align with the team’s “defense-first mindset,” allowing the squad to sustain intensity throughout games.

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Owner Joe Lacob emphasized a long-term championship plan, promising stability and dynasty building. Coach Nakase praised Williams’ coachability, noting her relentless pursuit of film study and willingness to be challenged. Teammate Veronica Burton observed that Williams “has done it so fluidly” in taking on a larger scoring role while maintaining defensive responsibilities.

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Public criticism of Williams’ signing has not surfaced in the available reports. Media coverage focuses on her fit with the Valkyries and the potential for a title run.

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Williams described the Valkyries’ resilience: “Something I have learned in this league is that teams that make it … don’t implode.” She recalled taking her grandmother to a Chase Center game, highlighting the personal significance of playing near home. Her statements reflect both a professional drive and a deep community connection.

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• “He said, 'This is why we are going to win, this is why it would be silly for you to go anywhere else, this is why we're going to have longevity. I want to build dynasties here,'” — Joe Lacob

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• “I think she is one of the best two-way players in the world,” — Natalie Nakase

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• “I want to shut down the best player and then go hit a massive shot on the other end,” — Gabby Williams

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• “Just yell at me,” — Gabby Williams

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• “Is manifestation real?” — Gabby Williams

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Williams’ contract positions her within striking distance of a championship ring, and the Valkyries aim to capitalize on her leadership in the remainder of the 2026 season. Continued development of her offensive decision-making and the team’s depth will determine whether the “dynasty” vision materializes.

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