When the Golden State Valkyries wrapped up their inaugural season with a 23-21 record, WNBA fans and media rushed to celebrate. Head coach Natalie Nakase was awarded Coach of the Year, praised for guiding an expansion roster to a playoff berth.
But here’s the truth that no one seems willing to admit. What Nakase did was impressive, yes, but it wasn’t the impossible climb it’s being painted as.
The Hidden Advantage of the WNBA Expansion Draft
Unlike the NBA, where teams can protect nearly their entire core, WNBA expansion rules heavily favor new franchises.
When the Valkyries joined, each of the 12 existing teams could only protect six players. This leaves roughly 72 experienced professionals exposed. That’s half the league’s talent pool — and many of those “unprotected” players weren’t benchwarmers; they were solid rotation contributors.
In contrast, when the NBA expands, teams can usually protect 8 to 11 players. The available pool often consists of end-of-bench veterans or contract teams want to unload. The best expansion pick in NBA history might arguably be Dell Curry (from the 1988 Charlotte Hornets draft), with others like B.J. Armstrong, Greg Anthony, or Rick Mahorn already past their prime when selected.
That’s a night-and-day difference.
⚖️ A League of Parity
The WNBA’s compact size — 12 teams and only 144 roster spots — means talent density is off the charts. Every year, WNBA veterans are cut not because they can’t play, but because there aren’t enough slots.
This season, 8 of 13 teams (after expansion) finished above .500, indicating that the league’s parity is remarkable. There’s no “rebuilding cellar” like the NBA’s bottom five teams; everyone is competitive.
So when an expansion team like Golden State lands solid veterans through the expansion draft. Signs a few capable free agents, and adds three fresh draft picks, it’s not shocking that they’re competitive right away.
🧩 Talent by Availability, Not Miracles
Let’s put it: the Valkyries had access to:
- 72 unprotected veterans
- WNBA-ready free agents
- Three 2025 WNBA Draft picks
That’s a lot of available talent for a new franchise. Especially when most of the league’s “unprotected” players were still in their prime.
So a 23-21 finish is respectable, but let’s not confuse “respectable” with “historic.”
🏁 The Bottom Line
Coach Nakase deserves credit for creating chemistry quickly and installing a disciplined system, but the WNBA’s expansion structure itself is designed to make a new team competitive immediately.