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WNBA Player Sends Clear Message After Being Released by Valkyries

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 12:32 PM ET

The WNBA landscape recently changed with the return of several international players.

During the season, the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 welcomed a flurry of WNBA talent as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

One of many players on temporary leave from the WNBA was former Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo. She played for her home country, Belgium, which repeated as EuroBasket champion.

Vanloo was playing in her first season with the Valkyries when she departed from the team on temporary leave.

As Vanloo returned to the United States, concluding her participation in the EuroBasket event, she was released from the Valkyries.

Soon after, Vanloo was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Sparks. She spoke on the process of being released by Golden State and acquired by L.A.

"I still can’t believe it," Vanloo said. "So much has happened in such a short amount of time. I’m still processing everything. Thank you EVERYONE for supporting me through this rollercoaster. This was a huge game changer to never give up. I’ll make a video about everything that has happened the passed 48 hours in the next days. Now I’m going to rest and relax because I’m exhausted."

In her first game with the Los Angeles Sparks, Julie Vanloo played just two minutes, getting a feel for her new team later in the game. The Sparks wound up losing to the New York Liberty, 89-79.

Before joining the Los Angeles Sparks, Julie Vanloo averaged 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game with the Golden State Valkyries.

Vanloo will have another opportunity to carve out a role in the Sparks' lineup on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET against the Indiana Fever.

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

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