WNBA analyst predicts 2X MVP will become first member of Golden State Valkyries after sitting out 2024 season

The Golden State Valkyries will be the 13th team to join the WNBA. Ahead of the expansion draft on Dec. 6, ESPN's Kevin Pelton predicted who would become the first member of the franchise. On the Dec. 3 edition of "ESPN Daily", Pelton said the Golden State Valkyries would draft Washington Mystics star Elena Delle Donne.

"All right, Kevin, I'm putting you on the spot. Who is going to be the first member of the Golden State Valkyries?" host David Dennis asked.

"I'm gonna go ahead and predict it. I mentioned it earlier. Elena Delle Donne, I'm gonna say Washington maybe doesn't have a protector. She might retire if she just stays there. So, you know, they leave her out there, and Golden State goes ahead and takes her and tries to convince her to play," Kevin Pelton replied. (23:00)

If the prediction comes true, it will be good news to fans of the two-time MVP as earlier reports indicated that she may take a break from hooping. Donne has not been so lucky in recent seasons as injuries have impacted her game, having sat out the 2024 season.

Regardless, her potential addition to the Valkyries will be vital to their survival as she comes with a load of experience. Come Friday, fans will eagerly be anticipating who they pick to start their journey in the WNBA.

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The Golden State Valkyries' schedule for the 2025 WNBA season

The Valkyries start the season with back-to-back home games against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Washington Mystics on May 16 and 21.

For the new season, teams will play 44 games each and end the regular season on Sept. 11. The playoffs have been expanded to a best-of-seven series for the Finals while other rounds remain the same.