Gabby Williams Says Golden State Valkyries Owner Joe Lacob Told Her She’d Be ‘Stupid’ To Join Any Other Team

In 2026, free agency might have featured over 100 talented stars; a franchise could choose only 12 players given roster capacity and CBA terms. Additionally, multiple franchises had their core locked in, re-signing their 2025 top performers. As for the Golden State Valkyries, they lost a few players and looked to fill in with an impactful player, where the front office came up with the acquisition of Gabby Williams.

The former Seattle Storm star gave bold reasons for choosing the Golden State Valkyries in free agency, and in a recent press conference, she added that the role of Bay Area owner Joe Lacob played in her selection.

Gabby Williams Highlights Owner Joe Lacob’s Impressive Speech

The team already had multiple free agents on its ‘wish-list’ to strengthen its roster for the 2026 season. A versatile player like the 29-year-old forward received multiple offers, and the player opened up in a recent press conference about how the Golden State Owner played a role in convincing her to join the Bay Area team.

She said, “Jacob told her, ‘how badly he wants to win, how he’s going to do it, that I would be stupid to go anywhere else, because I haven’t seen anyone doing it better than us.”

#Valkyries guard Gabby Williams said the pitch from owner Joe Lacob was different than any other she had.

Said Lacob told her, “how badly he wants to win, how he's going to do it, that I would be stupid to go anywhere else, because I haven't seen anyone doing it better than us. pic.twitter.com/TzwFTNmWbV

— Nathan Canilao (@nathancanilao) May 5, 2026

The owner already set a five-year window to earn the title, and the franchise already impressed everyone with its first-year performance. Coach Nakase also provided reasons for the shrewd roster cuts ahead of the season, hinting at the team’s ambitious project.

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While it’s important to note that the owner pitched for his franchise and their efforts to win the title in the coming years, he pushed for an impactful player of Williams’ quality, who could be a massive game-changer for the 2025 expansion team.

Gabby Williams Could Be a Perfect Contributor To Valkyries’ Title Quest

All-Star forward could be a transformative addition for the Golden State Valkyries with her elite two-way play to an expansion franchise already punching above its weight. After earning All-Defensive First Team honors in 2025 and the 2024 Olympic silver medal with France, Williams brings instant credibility and championship experience.

Gabby Williams et Iliana Rupert sur le toit de l’Europe ! 🏆🌟#PassionnémentBleu | #EuroLeagueWomen pic.twitter.com/gMnRnKWFds

— Équipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) April 21, 2026

Her versatility as a premier perimeter defender and versatile playmaker fills a vital need, complementing the gritty identity established by head coach Natalie Nakase. The megastar joins a promising core, including standout guard Veronica Burton and key forward Janelle Salaün, allowing her to facilitate and unlock a high-movement, “European-style” offense.

Her accolades—including a 2026 EuroLeague title and two-time EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year honors—showcase her ability to dominate elite competition. So, by adding her to a young roster, Golden State secures a “French Army Knife” whose high-IQ basketball, defensive tenacity, and playmaking will propel them from a surprise playoff team to a serious contender in the 2026 WNBA season.

The home crowd already impressed Gabby Williams, and the player will look to match their enthusiasm with high-end performance on the floor.