The Golden State Valkyries have emerged as one of the most surprising and rapidly ascending teams in the Women’s National Basketball Association, reaching the 2026 WNBA Finals in just their second season. The team’s success is largely credited to a roster filled with players who were previously undervalued or overlooked in the league, including starting point guard Veronica Burton.
Burton’s journey exemplifies the Valkyries’ rise. Drafted seventh overall by Dallas in 2022, Burton struggled in her first two seasons, averaging fewer than three points per game and being waived by Dallas in 2024. She briefly joined the Connecticut Sun but was left unprotected in the expansion draft. The Valkyries selected her with the third overall pick, offering her what she called a “tremendous opportunity” to redefine her career. Playing in Australia before joining Golden State, Burton viewed the arrival of a new franchise as a possible make-or-break moment.
Since joining the Valkyries, Burton has transformed her game and role. Benefiting from a supportive coaching approach by Natalie Nakase—who emphasizes positive reinforcement tailored to individual players’ needs—she has shed a previously perfectionist mindset that made her hyper-critical of mistakes. This shift allowed Burton to play with more freedom and confidence, leading to a breakout season in which she was named the league’s most improved player last year and finished second in win shares this season behind only A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. Her playing time and overall contributions have dramatically exceeded her early WNBA years.
Burton’s story is mirrored by several teammates, including Kayla Thornton and Kaila Charles, who both endured multiple waivers and limited roles on previous teams before flourishing in Golden State. Thornton, a veteran who never averaged double-digit points consistently until recently, was selected by the Valkyries in last year’s expansion draft after previously winning a title with the New York Liberty. Charles endured several short-term contracts before securing a multi-year deal and becoming a key contributor. Coach Nakase has shaped the roster into a resilient, defense-first unit, fostering a culture of belief and selflessness among players who often felt underestimated.
The franchise’s rapid rise has been further supported by strong ownership and infrastructure. Joe Lacob, co-owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, has invested heavily in the Valkyries, enabling them to play in San Francisco’s Chase Center, a modern arena drawing capacity crowds. This backing has contributed to the team’s stability and appeal.
The Valkyries face the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, marking a compelling clash between two franchises pursuing their first championship. The Dream, who recently eliminated the defending champions New York Liberty, share a roster of players who have also overcome previous setbacks. Both teams represent a new chapter in the league’s 30th season, highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by players navigating the evolving landscape of professional women’s basketball.
As Golden State attempts to become the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title, its foundation of perseverance, strategic roster-building, and adaptive coaching underscores how the expansion era has reshaped player trajectories and team dynamics across the league.