Quick Read
- Gabby Williams signed a multi-year deal with the Golden State Valkyries following a career-best season.
- The signing creates a high-level defensive backcourt alongside point guard Veronica Burton.
- Williams led the WNBA in steals last season and brings extensive international experience to the expansion franchise.
SAN FRANCISCO (Azat TV) – The Golden State Valkyries have secured a cornerstone for their franchise, officially signing WNBA All-Star Gabby Williams to a multi-year contract on April 12, 2026. The move marks a significant victory for the expansion team, which faced intense competition from several league rivals to land the veteran forward.
Defensive Dominance for the Valkyries
Williams, 29, joins the Valkyries following a career-best campaign with the Seattle Storm in 2025. Known by the moniker “French Army Knife” for her versatility, she recorded 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season. Her defensive impact was particularly historic; she led the WNBA in steals per game (2.3) and finished the season with 99 steals, narrowly missing the league’s all-time single-season record of 100 set in 1998.
Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin emphasized that the acquisition is more than a statistical upgrade. “For a player of Gabby’s caliber to choose us in just our second year means everything,” Nyanin stated. The signing complements the recent re-signing of point guard Veronica Burton, establishing a defensive backcourt that the organization expects to be among the most formidable in the league.
A Strategic Return to the Bay Area
Beyond the tactical fit, the signing holds personal significance for Williams, who has deep-rooted connections to the Bay Area. Her brother, Matthew Williams, played basketball at Cal State East Bay, providing a natural affinity for the region that played a role in her decision-making process during free agency. This homecoming, combined with the opportunity to build a legacy with an expansion franchise, proved decisive in her selection of Golden State over other finalists.
Building Competitive Viability
The addition of Williams provides the Valkyries with an immediate infusion of veteran leadership and international experience. Her resume includes a silver medal with the French national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and multiple championships in European leagues, including the Turkish League and EuroBasket titles. As the team prepares for its regular-season opener against the Seattle Storm on May 8, the front office is looking to capitalize on this momentum ahead of the upcoming WNBA draft.
The signing of Williams represents a pivotal shift in the competitive trajectory of the Golden State Valkyries, signaling that the franchise is prioritizing immediate defensive impact and veteran pedigree over long-term rebuilding efforts to establish credibility in their nascent years.