The WNBA Expansion Draft is set to take place on Friday, December 6th, marking a significant moment for the league and its teams, including the Minnesota Lynx. The league will welcome a new franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, who are slated to begin play in 2025.
In preparation for this milestone, each team, including the Lynx, was required to submit a comprehensive Roster List by November 25th. This list includes every player to whom the team holds rights as of the last day of the 2024 regular season, encompassing active, suspended, draft, and even reserved or retired players. Teams can protect up to six players from selection by the Valkyries in the draft, ensuring those players are safeguarded during this pivotal event.
An intriguing aspect of the Expansion Draft is the flexibility it offers Golden State. Between the submission of Roster Lists and the day before the draft, Golden State is permitted to engage in trades with other teams. This could lead to strategic moves, enabling the Valkyries to draft specific players, potentially enhancing their roster before the start of play.
On draft day, the Valkyries can select one player from the available list of each team but have no obligation to select from every team if they choose not to. They can also sign players without contracts for the upcoming season, putting them on even footing with other teams in this regard. However, they can only draft one player who could become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season, ensuring a balance in player distribution.
The last Expansion Draft occurred in 2008 when the Atlanta Dream acquired Kristen Mann from the Lynx. With the WNBA’s expansion likely to continue in the coming years, this draft serves as a critical framework for building competitive teams, fostering growth in the league.
Fans and stakeholders should mark December 6th on their calendars, as the Expansion Draft promises to be an exciting and strategic event that could significantly shape the future dynamics of the WNBA.
This expansion not only fosters the growth of women’s basketball but also opens opportunities for new talent and fan engagement, enhancing the overall landscape of the league.