SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries selected Chicago Sky forward Maria Conde, Atlanta Dream center Iliana Rupert, Connecticut Sun guard Veronica Burton and Dallas Wings guard Carla Leite with their initial picks in the WNBA expansion draft Friday, the first players for the new Bay Area franchise that’s set to begin play next season.
This marked the WNBA’s first expansion draft in 16 years since the Dream joined the league in 2008.
Conde, 27, was the Sky’s third-round selection in the 2019 draft. She has not played in the WNBA.
Golden State is able to acquire the contract or negotiating rights to one player from each of the other 12 WNBA teams. The Valkyries can also choose one player from throughout the league who’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Valkyries will play at Chase Center, the 5-year-old home of the Golden State Warriors, and practice across the bay in the organization’s Oakland training facility.