WNBA Commissioner Makes Big Announcement on Golden State Expansion Team

The WNBA is set to add a 13th team for its 2025 season — the Golden State Valkyries.

Before the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix on Saturday night, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the podium for her media availability. The WNBA leader answered questions about several important topics — including the impending arrival of Golden State's expansion team.

Engelbert announced that the league is aiming for an expansion draft date in December of this year.

"We have been talking with our teams' GMs and coaches and our owners about the expansion draft that will occur most likely in December of this year. We need to do it, then we have the draft lottery, then the NCAA season concludes, then we have our draft," Engelbert said. "Our teams are aware. We'll make final decisions and make those announcements in the coming months."

During her media availability, Engelbert also revealed that the league is eyeing an expanded 44-game season in 2025.

"We're looking at the footprint for next year," Engelbert said. "We don't have an international competition like the FIBA World Cup or the Olympics next year, so we'll be able to look at our footprint without any interruption or break, like we're breaking this year."

The WNBA will add another expansion team in Toronto before the 2026 season.

Related: WNBA Legend Candace Parker Didn't Hold Back When Asked About Caitlin Clark Drama