The Golden State Valkyries have locked in one of the defining players from their first season, re-signing All-Star forward Kayla Thornton to a one-year contract. The move keeps a proven scorer, rebounder and locker-room presence in place as the expansion team continues to shape its core.
Thornton was one of the biggest success stories in the Valkyries’ inaugural campaign before a right knee injury in July ended her season early. In 22 games, she led the team in minutes at 30.1 per game and posted career highs in scoring, rebounding and steals.
Thornton’s impact in her first Valkyries season
Thornton quickly became a foundational piece for Golden State after arriving through the expansion draft. She averaged 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals, giving the Valkyries reliable production on both ends of the floor.
Her performance also earned career recognition, as she made her first All-Star team and became the first player in Valkyries history selected to an All-Star roster. That milestone gave the franchise an early face of the team as it entered the league.
Why Golden State kept Thornton
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin praised Thornton’s influence beyond the box score, calling her season “extraordinary” in a team statement. Nyanin added that Thornton “stepped up as a leader for a new roster from day one” and brought “relentless work ethic and an unshakeable belief in this team.”
That leadership matters for an expansion club trying to build stability quickly. Thornton’s experience also gives Golden State a veteran with a championship background after she won a WNBA title with the New York Liberty in 2024.
Key details from Thornton’s career
- She entered the WNBA as an undrafted player out of UTEP in 2015.
- She began her pro career with the Washington Mystics.
- She has played for four teams in a 10-year career.
- She spent six seasons with the Dallas Wings before moving to Golden State.
- She won a WNBA championship with New York and became an All-Star with the Valkyries.
Thornton’s path has been defined by persistence, and the new agreement gives the Valkyries a chance to build around that steady profile again. The one-year structure also keeps flexibility for a team still assembling its long-term roster footprint.
Valkyries also add championship experience
Golden State also announced the signing of center Kiah Stokes to a multiyear deal on Monday. Stokes brings three WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces and gives the Valkyries another veteran with a winning pedigree.
Nyanin said Stokes is “a strong defender” who knows “what it takes to win,” noting her familiarity with Coach Natalie Nakase from their time together in Las Vegas. The pair of moves signals that the Valkyries want proven experience as they move into the next stage of roster building.
Thornton’s return gives Golden State an established All-Star to anchor the frontcourt and set the standard for a young franchise aiming to stay competitive from the start.