The 2026 season is here, and the teams are now processing their rosters for the final showdown. But more importantly, they will have to cut loose a few players and submit a team of 12 players for the season. The Lynx coach, Cheryl Reeve, provided an encouraging perspective on roster cuts and player journeys, yet the decision is hard on the player. The Golden State Valkyries completed their analysis and announced the removal of six players from the training camp.
The 2025 expansion team kept the mix of youth and experienced stars on the training camp roster, and just before the tip-off, their plan for the season is clear with their decision on the roster.
Golden State Valkyries Make Roster Decisions
After an impressive 2025 season, all eyes were on the Valkyries for more aggressive signings to push for the championship. Instead, the front office kept it clean, trusting the high-performing players that put them in the playoffs and added steel with All-Defensive star Gabby Williams.
The side also had multiple additions in the free agency and WNBA draft, taking their roster size to 18 players. But now the team has removed six players from the training camp, confirming their final side for the season. The players removed include Marta Suárez, Ashlon Jackson, Mariella Fasoula, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Miela Sowah, and Cate Reese.
Breaking: Golden State Valkyries have waived Marta Suárez, Mariella Fasoula, Ashlon Jackson, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Miela Sowah, and Cate Reese.
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) May 2, 2026
While all the players performed well in the preseason games, among those names, Marta Suárez and Ashlon Jackson’s removal came as a surprise to everyone. Suarez was part of the draft night trade, while Jackson flashed promise in the Valkyries’ lone preseason game.
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With a number of fresh faces included in the departures list, it’s clear that the franchise is keeping its hopes on veteran and experienced players to deliver for them in the 2026 season.
But it’s interesting to note that the side could bring back two players as part of its developmental roster spot, as the new CBA allows teams to have ‘back-up’ for every franchise, which will not be part of the Cap calculations.
Coach Natalie Nakase Sets Goal For 2026 Golden State Valkyries
Confirming the final roster, coach Natalie Nakase called every player professional and impressive. Now she has 12 players who will represent the side that was one of the most entertaining and surprising packages last season.
Entering the second year, though, the opponents will be ready for them as Nakase set the target for the team. In a recent interview, she said, “So for year 2, we understand that after a successful year one, nothing carries over. Not one basket, not one award, Nothing. So, for us, our goal for the season is to win the championship. Here at Golden State, that’s the standard, that’s the expectation.”
Natalie Nakase has one goal for the @valkyries this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/wcgzkNwTcr
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 30, 2026
The franchise at the moment has huge potential to make a deep run into the playoffs with the talent available on the roster, but winning a championship might be a bit of a difficult ask for them with the Aces, Liberty, and Fever team also upgrading their rosters.