Basketball

RandySF

(71,149 posts) Sat Nov 30, 2024, 11:29 PM Nov 30

How will Golden State Valkyries' WNBA expansion draft work?

Head coach Natalie Nakase and the Golden State Valkyries are currently preparing for the upcoming WNBA expansion draft. Golden State wants to get their franchise started on a positive note, so having the best possible draft will certainly be important. However, how exactly does an expansion draft work?

The Valkyries are ready for their first WNBA season, as they are set to make their debut in 2025. First, though, they need to add players to the roster. That process will begin via the expansion draft.

Each team around the WNBA can select up to six players to protect. The protected players are ineligible to be drafted by the expansion team. The Valkyries will be able to select from the unprotected players in the draft. It should be noted that Golden State can only select one player from each team.

With 12 teams currently in the league, the Valkyries will finish the draft with 12 players on the roster. Drafting a star will be difficult, but perhaps they can select a player with a high ceiling. Of course, the Valkyries will also be able to participate in WNBA free agency once it begins, so the draft is not the only way they can add players. Free agency is set to begin in February.

https://highposthoops.com/how-will-golden-state-valkyries-wnba-expansion-draft-work-01jdr9wtgdq8

2 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

How will Golden State Valkyries' WNBA expansion draft work? (Original Post) RandySF Nov 30 OP

I've never believed in expansion drafts moniss Dec 1 #1

Good Ideas ProfessorGAC Dec 2 #2

moniss

(6,149 posts)

1. I've never believed in expansion drafts

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Sun Dec 1, 2024, 02:38 AM

Dec 1

and I have thought a system of letting the expansion team get it's first roster from free agency, while also altering salary caps for the expansion team, and the cost could be partially subsidized by a pool of money that all teams contribute to. That way the process of a player going to that expansion team is more voluntary and you're not in a situation where a lower caliber team is harmed far less by losing a player than one of the better run teams.

Expansion that by it's design is going to have a much larger impact on better teams than lesser teams is one that ends up with little negative impact to lesser teams compared to better teams. Whereas allowing the expansion team to pursue free agent players to willingly come and for an enhanced salary allows players a voice in the process and even allows the expansion team the possibility of an even better roster than a draft scenario might yield.

It would be more equitable all around and I think result in a potentially better start for the expansion team.

ProfessorGAC

(70,597 posts)

2. Good Ideas

Reply to moniss (Reply #1)

Mon Dec 2, 2024, 04:40 PM

Dec 2

Also, if it doesn't go to free agency model, I'd change the "only one per team" to "two from 2 teams then one each from another 8 teams"
It would encourage poaching 2 players from 2 teams, protecting the continuity of 2 of the lesser teams.
The power teams could probably adjust to losing two out of their 7th, 8th, or 9th rotation player.

Reply to this discussion