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Golden State Valkyries Make Unexpected Roster Move on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 9:54 PM ET

In a roster shake‑up that surprised many WNBA fans, the Golden State Valkyries announced on Monday that veteran guard Julie Vanloo has been waived.

The news comes just one day after Vanloo secured a gold medal with Belgium at EuroBasket Women 2025.

Vanloo arrived in San Francisco last fall as part of the expansion draft and quickly became known for her playmaking and leadership.

In nine appearances (including two starts), she averaged 4.6 points, 4.1 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.

Unfortunately, the Valkyries chose to bring back forwards Janelle Salaun and Cecilia Zandalasini, who were also away participating in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament.

Now, the 32-year-old point guard is back on the market.

Roster Update: The Golden State Valkyries have waived guard Julie Vanloo.

Thank you, Julie. pic.twitter.com/eoHTspprpX
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) June 30, 2025

Prior to joining the Valkyries via the WNBA's expansion draft in December 2024, Vanloo had spent a season with the Washington Mystics and more than a decade playing overseas.

Last season with the Mystics, she averaged 7.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.6 rebounds across 40 games (34 starts).

On Sunday, Vanloo helped Belgium clinch its second consecutive EuroBasket Women title with a dramatic 67-65 win over Spain.

There, she was named to the tournament’s all‑second team for her steady guard work behind stars Julie Allemand and TISSOT MVP Emma Meesseman.

In addition to Vanloo’s departure, the Valkyries also cut ties with Chloe Bibby, Bree Hall and Aerial Powers.

As the Valkyries prepare to take on the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, all eyes will be on how the revamped roster gels moving forward.

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

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