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Sportico valued the Golden State Valkyries at $500 million Tuesday, making the club the highest-valued women’s professional sports team ever — and it’s only their first season.
Now, it hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing.
Shyanne Sellers, selected by the Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Draft with the No. 17 selection, was released by the team before her first game. The Valkyries also released Kaitlyn Chen, originally selected with pick No. 30, but re-signed the former UConn guard June 15.
One of the brightest spots for the program has been Monique Billings. A 6-foot-4 forward, Billings has seven years in the W under her belt.
A veteran like that would be integral in any new franchise, but the former UCLA Bruin is stepping up when the Valkyries need her. Golden State has operated without center Temi Fágbénlé, alongside forwards Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini as they compete in the FIBA Women’s Eurobasket.
Billings is averaging 7.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season, and made her first start for Golden State June 17 against the Dallas Wings. Head coach Natalie Nakase liked what she saw from Billings, who added 18 points and eight rebounds as the Valkyries fell short, 80-71.
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“She stepped in and I thought she did a great job,” Nakase said. “Now, she’s playing with other starters. She’s not playing against the second unit. For her, it’s about finding her synergy with Carla [Leite] and Veronica [Burton] in the pick and roll.”
It’s a new role for Billings, but she welcomes the pressure.
“I’m built for this,” Billings said ahead of Thursday’s 88-77 win over the Indiana Fever. “I just want to be able to support wherever I can be a great teammate in any way possible. It’s not even something I think about.”
The Valkyries (7-7) fell to New York (11-3) Wednesday night, 81-78. They host the Chicago Sky (4-10) Friday night with the tip set for 10 p.m. ET.
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