Golden State Valkyries Make Announcement on Kate Martin’s Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 2:04 PM ET

While the WNBA season is just warming up, some players have to choose priorities with the impending start of FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

This year's championship marks the 40th edition of the tournament, hosted in Czechia, Germany, Italy, and Greece, and will feature 16 teams competing from June 18 to 29.

On Wednesday, the Golden State Valkyries announced that forward Janelle Salaun will step away from the team to play for the French national team. The 23-year-old rookie, born in Paris, France, is the third-leading scorer from Golden State, averaging 11.8 points per game.

Salaun is already having an instant impact with the Valkyries. In their most recent matchup, the 6-foot-2 sensation pushed her team to an overtime win over the Los Angeles Sparks, 89-81. She contributed 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist.

Salaun was signed to Golden State with a training camp contract in February, joining Kate Martin and co. who were compiled during the WNBA's expansion draft.

Janelle Salaün will temporarily step away from the Golden State Valkyries to represent the French National Team at FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

France tips off group play on June 18 vs. Turkey in Piraeus, Greece, competing for a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Good luck,… pic.twitter.com/Ic1GYR1cuf
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) June 11, 2025

EuroBasket is held biannually, and in last year's tournament, France finished third behind Belgium and Spain. The French last won the championship in 2009, their second title.

In 2024, the French women's national basketball team won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, losing to the United States in the gold medal match. In Olympic play, France has two silvers (2012 and 2024) and one bronze (2020).

Salaun is expected to be one of France's best players. In the European Championships Qualifying Round, she was second on the team at 14.5 points per game. She finished just behind Gabrielle Williams of the Seattle Storm at 16.0 points per game, although she played in just two games compared to Salaun's six.

France will play in the first game of EuroBasket Women 2025 on June 18 against Turkey.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: