Golden State Valkyries Add Veteran Guard Tiffany Hayes On One-Year Deal in Free Agency

The Golden State Valkyries had been in the news for the wrong reasons. The side landed one of the exciting prospects in the draft, Flau-Jae Johnson, but on the draft night, traded her away to the Seattle Storm for a lower pick. While the Valkyries’ GM denied answering the questions on the trade, the franchise looked to fill the void with a veteran guard, Tiffany Hayes.

The franchise had been quieter in the free agency, but now added its veteran star to the roster, giving the roster a familiar look.

Golden State Valkyries Re-Sign Tiffany Hayes

There were many unknowns about the 2025 Golden State Valkyries as the expansion team made constant changes in their roster, looking to settle down with a final 12 players. But in the 2026 season, the front office relied on veteran stars and kept its core to push for even bigger results.

In the free agency, the Valkyries added Gabby Williams, giving them a strong defensive look on the floor. Now, the team chose to go with their impactful guard, Tyffany Haye, handing her a one-year contract.

Built here. Back here. 💜

Ohemaa said it best, it's gooood to welcome you back home @tiphayes3 🫶 pic.twitter.com/GHrBRcepCw

— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) April 18, 2026

Playing in the franchise’s inaugural season, the 13-year veteran averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and three assists in 26 games. But the player couldn’t play in the postseason following a knee injury in the closing stage of the season.

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The 36-year-old star was an All-Star in 2017 and named to the All-WNBA and All-Defensive teams in 2018. While the team is nearly finalized its roster for the upcoming season, it has also recently updated its coaching staff.

Golden State Valkyries Confirm Their Coaching Staff

For her impressive results in the very first season as head coach, Natalie Nakase won the AP Coach of the Year accolade in the 2025 season. The innovative coach will continue to lead the team; there have been slight upgrades in the coaching staff.

As per the official statement, Daisy Feder has been promoted to Head Video Coordinator, and Kenny Wolfe has joined the team as Assistant Video Coordinator. Boki Wang also gets a promotion to Coaching Analytics and Assistant Video Coordinator heading into the team’s second season.

pic.twitter.com/xDpGipiFfS

— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) April 17, 2026

At the end of the 2025 season, Natalie Nakase shrugs off Joe Lacob’s “title in five years” mandate, but the team is looking to use the experienced stars to stay in position to challenge for the title.