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WNBA Rookie Released Just Weeks After Getting Drafted
Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The WNBA Draft was held just a few weeks ago, and dozens of new players were welcomed into the league's family. Some of those players had the honor of being selected by an expansion team in the Golden State Valkyries.

The Valkyries are already making roster moves before their first-ever preseason game, and one of those players who were drafted a few weeks ago is no longer on the roster.

According to ESPN's Marc J. Spears, the Valkyries have released former Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers after selecting her with the 17th overall pick in the second round last month.

Sellers' release shows how few spots are available for WNBA players, even talented rookies who are looking to make teams in their first season. We've seen teams release first-round picks in recent seasons after not being able to make room for them on the roster.

Teams like the Valkyries are being added to the league to alleviate that problem, but it seems that expansion is not happening at a fast enough pace to accomodate more players.

Sellers was one of the best Maryland players of all time, a high bar to clear with players like Kristi Tolliver, Shakira Austin, Alyssa Thomas and Angel Reese playing some or all of their college careers in College Park.

She was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection during her college career, and earned All-Big Ten freshman, defensive and sixth player of the year honors during her time with the Terrapins.

Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Shyanne Sellers poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number seventeen overall pick to the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Draft © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Valkyries are looking to make waves in their first WNBA season, entering the league as the first new expansion team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008. 

They've added some notable players to their roster to start the 2025 campaign, including former Iowa star Kate Martin and recent national championship winner Kaitlyn Chen from UConn.

Fans will be able to get their first preseason look at the Valkyries when they host the new-look Los Angeles Sparks. Another matchup with the Sparks will mark Golden State's first-ever regular season game as well - live from the Chase Center on Friday, May 16 at 10 PM ET.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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