SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 16: Gabby Williams #5 of the Seattle Storm defends against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena on September 16, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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Megan Armstrong

By Megan Armstrong

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The Golden State Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion franchise to make the playoffs in its inaugural season last year.

It also only took one season for the Valkyries to turn Chase Center into "Ballhalla" and set all-time regular-season attendance records.

The Valkyries are making moves to have an even more successful second season.

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On Sunday, ESPN's Andraya Carter reported that two-time All-Defensive forward Gabby Williams, 29, decided to sign a multiyear deal with the Valkyries in free agency.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 16: Gabby Williams #5 of the Seattle Storm defends against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena on September 16, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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The Valkyries confirmed the signing on Sunday afternoon. The Valkyries also re-signed guard Kaila Charles to a multi-year contract, the team announced.

"For a player of Gabby's caliber to choose us in just our second year means everything," Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in a statement. "She is world-class. One of the best defenders in the world, a WNBA All-Star, and someone who makes everyone around her better."

Nyanin added, "Honestly, what excites me most is who she is as a person. Gabby has deep roots in the Bay Area, and she is coming home. The community is going to love her, and I think she is going to love it here."

Williams earned her first All-Star nod and led the league in steals with the Seattle Storm last season. Her WNBA career began as the Chicago Sky's No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 draft out of UConn, where she won two national championships.

Williams' arrival in the Bay Area might signal the end of Kayla Thornton's tenure with the Valkyries. Golden State selected in the expansion draft in December 2024 and earned her first All-Star selection while leading the Valkyries in scoring in 2025.

Last month, the Valkyries unveiled their new Nike "Explorer Edition" violet jersey that will debut this season. Golden State still has work to do to round out the roster that will be wearing them.

The 2026 WNBA Draft will take place on Monday night, and the WNBA's 30th season tips off on May 8.

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