Golden State Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase Shares Honest Take on Team’s Preseason Roster Decision

The Golden State Valkyries might have played just one preseason game, but they are all set for the 2026 season with the final roster. Earlier during the training camp period, coach Natalie Nakase set a target for the team in its second year in the WNBA, and the front office also acted accordingly, finalizing its roster with a massive overhaul on Saturday.

As per the update, the team released six players, including first-round pick Marta Suárez, Ashlon Jackson, Miela Sowah, Mariella Fasoula, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, and Cate Reese. While the pattern indicates that the franchise is looking to bank on experience and proven talent on the WNBA court, the coach also expressed her views on the player cuts.

Natalie Nakase Speaks Highly About Players Waived By Franchise

There are multiple factors impacting the decision on the final roster, from player usability, star value, fit in the system and also ability to impact the game, to name a few. The Valkyries’ decision might have gone with the vets in the league, and coach Nakase already sees huge potential in the players released.

In the recent interaction with the media, Nakase reflected on the player cuts just hours before the announcement and said, “I’m just going to be honest. Everyone has been just impressive, like impressive from top to bottom — learning, wanting to be here, challenging each other every single day.”

Asked Natalie Nakase about the tough roster decisions the Valkyries will have to make in the coming days:

“Everyone has been impressive from top to bottom… it's definitely going to be hard decision, but at the end of the day, we got to pick the best 14 that fit together.” pic.twitter.com/zZqdizQhha

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) May 2, 2026

Rookies Marta Suárez and Ashlon Jackson impressed everyone in the preseason game and could still be part of the Valkyries organization with the developmental roster sports available with the team.

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The final aim of the front office is to improve on last season’s performance and, as Joe Jacob envisioned, to win a championship for the team. While on the court, they will prove themselves in the coming days; off the court, they already top the league with a whopping $850M valuation. The coach also provided her views on the same.

Natalie Nakase With Honest Opinion Of Franchise Valuation

Recent data showed the WNBA topping the revenue growth chart among major sports leagues in 2026. With a massive growth in fan following and franchise valuation, there is increasing pressure on the players and coaches to deliver. While the former Aces’ assistant coach is happy with her team’s performance, she spoke about the valuation numbers in an interview.

“A testament to, obviously, Joe Lacob, our ownership, our leadership. Jess Smith. I mean, that’s them. I have nothing to do with that,” said Nakase.

Natalie Nakase on the news today that the Valkyries being evaluated at $850 million, the most in the WNBA, in just their second season:

“A testament to, obviously, Joe Lacob, our ownership, our leadership. Jess Smith. I mean, that's them. I have nothing to do with that.” pic.twitter.com/aNDOLq4VEd

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) May 1, 2026

But does that add up to pressure? The coach already cleared that narrative, too, as she shrugged off any additional pressure for the team or players, but intends to do better.