Jun 9, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo (35) shoots the ball against LA Sparks guard Odyssey Sims (0) and forward Azura Stevens (23) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sparks Sign Julie Vanloo After Sudden Release By Valkyries

Originally posted on Los Angeles Sparks on SI
By Ben Geffner | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 1:39 PM ET

The Los Angeles Sparks signed guard Julie Vanloo on June 3, per a release.

The addition came just days after Vanloo and now-Sparks teammate Julie Allemand won their second consecutive FIBA EuroBasket crown in a 67-65 victory over Spain — cementing Belgium as just the third national team in history to defend a EuroBasket crown. Aside from the Cats' latest run, only Spain and the Soviet Union have secured back-to-back titles.

Breaking: Sparks claim guard Julie Vanloo off waivers. She’s active for tonight’s game and will wear No. 6.

Golden State waived Vanloo on Monday. Now, after winning a FIBA EuroBasket title last weekend, she joins Belgium teammate Julie Allemand in LA. pic.twitter.com/VhajFQjw3s
— Ben Geffner (@BenGeffner) July 3, 2025

Vanloo skipped the celebration in Belgium in order to make the journey back to San Francisco to rejoin the Golden State Valkyries — but was subsequently waived just an hour after her West Coast arrival.

Fresh off a quartet of roster moves — waiving Shey Peddy and Odyssey Sims to make space for the respective returns of Allemand and Rae Burrell — the Sparks knew Vanloo could be another crucial backcourt piece.

When I arrived at Barclays, Julie Vanloo was waiting outside the arena

25 minutes later, she's on the court taking shots for the Sparks

https://t.co/JI8spbvgqQ pic.twitter.com/567wxmXBn3
— Sean Hurd (@seanahurd) July 3, 2025

“When we heard that the Valkyries waived [Julie Vanloo], I immediately said to our GM, 'let's see if we can get her.' So, we signed her," head coach Lynne Roberts said. "We were hopeful, and then we wouldn't know for sure until 5 p.m. [on Thursday], so she was actually waiting outside the arena until we got the call with her luggage.

"The things these players go through is remarkable, all to play. Now we've got two Belgian players, the one-two backcourt for the EuroBasket champs… so we're excited about it," she added.

Sparks Sign Guard Julie Vanloo.

Welcome to LA, Julie!

https://t.co/Bf0mvTzeKl pic.twitter.com/KIi7xjzRkV
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 3, 2025

Vanloo made her WNBA debut with the Washington Mystics in 2024, appearing in all 40 games and starting 34 before being selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft.

She's averaging over six points and four assists across 51 career games.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Sparks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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