The 2026 free agency period featured many mega-turnarounds, with players like Satou Sabally and Nneka Ogwumike switching teams for better opportunities to win championships. Golden State Valkyries lost too many players, but made a silent yet impactful signing by adding Gabby Williams.
Gabby Williams’ addition not only strengthens their defense but also provides much more to the 2025 expansion franchise, which provided much entertainment and an extraordinary brand of basketball. But were those the factors impacting Williams’ decision? The player looked for many other important aspects too, as she recently had her first press conference as a Valkyrie’s star.
Gabby Williams Opens Up On Joining Golden State Valkyries
The 2026 season adds two new franchises to the league, which are looking to imitate the most recent expansion team by reaching the postseason. But a one-season-old side already stepped up with some additions to the roster, and the Seattle Storm forward was one of the top additions.
Speaking about the decision to switch teams, Williams said, “There were three key factors in making my decision. Where am I going to win? Where am I going to be a part of a winning culture? Even though this is a newer team, I feel the competitiveness and the want to win”
“Number one was, where am I going to win?”
— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) April 25, 2026
Gabby Williams on why she picked the Valkyries in free agency.” pic.twitter.com/cYpT9BpGvQ
“The next thing for me was the culture off of the court … from the outside seeing what its looks like to be in this team was something I really, really need right now,” Williams concluded.
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The Valkyries were a strong defensive unit in the 2025 season, but the addition of the 29-year-old star improves the team at defensive end. The player will also play a key role under Natalie Nakase, aiming to make a greater impact on the game.
Gabby Williams To ‘Complete’ The Valkyries
The former UConn star’s signing with the Valkyries for the 2026 season acts as a transformative move, providing immediate star power and elite two-way versatility to a developing roster. Coming off a 2025 All-Star season where she led the WNBA in steals (2.3 per game) and finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, Williams brings elite perimeter defense and playmaking to Natalie Nakase’s squad.
The Nevada-born star’s ability to guard multiple positions fills a crucial gap for a young team seeking to improve from their 2025 campaign, especially after losing Carla Leite to Portland in the expansion draft.
Williams meshes well with fellow French national teammates Iliana Rupert and Janelle Salaün, adding chemistry and high-level IQ. The Valkyries also welcomed Tiffany Hayes, who could be an experienced playmaker who would complement Williams well.
Offensively, her ability to attack in transition and her career-high 4.2 assists per game complement the floor-spacing abilities of shooters like Cecilia Zandalasini, making the Valkyries a more well-rounded playoff contender in their sophomore year.