Expansion teams like Valkyries and Fire showcase WNBA depth this season
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 11:00 AM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
As of June 3, 2026, the WNBA continues to see the success of its recent expansion teams. The Golden State Valkyries, in their inaugural year, have made a significant impact by reaching the playoffs, aided by players like Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton. This season, the Portland Fire also feature standout performances, from Megan Gustafson, who is averaging career-highs. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury are struggling, currently on a six-game losing streak and last in the standings. As the WNBA evolves, the presence of foreign talent and developmental players adds an exciting dimension to the competition.
- •Golden State Valkyries reached playoffs in their first season.
- •Megan Gustafson leads the Portland Fire with career-high statistics.
- •Phoenix Mercury are on a six-game losing streak at 2-8.
- •WNBA expansion increases roster spots and player opportunities.
- •International players are making an impactful debut this season.
- 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — The WNBA has depth, and its expansion teams are proving it
- 11:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — The WNBA has depth, and its expansion teams are proving it | Jordan Robinson
"Around the league, former role players are breaking through as stars for their new squads. Plus: the Mercury’s slump and the fits we can’t get enough of Sign up to get WNBA 30 in your inbox every Tuesday When WNBA expansion was discussed in previous years, it was all about wanting more. More cities where a new batch of fans can cheer for their new home team, more roster spots to limit the painful training camp cuts, and more overall opportunity for players to showcase their talent in the best women’s professional basketball league in the world. For the three expansion teams in the last two years: check, check and check. In a single season last year, the Golden State Valkyries were able to prove just how deep this league really is. Their star players had been role players on other teams. Veronica Burton, who was waived by the Dallas Wings in 2024, went on to win Most Improved. Kayla Thornton received her first All-Star selection after only averaging 5.5 points with the New York Liberty the season prior. Both helped the Valkyries become the first expansion team to earn a playoff spot in year one. The talent was always there, but with more varied opportunities to show their skills, the results were different. Continue reading...
"Around the league, former role players are breaking through as stars for their new squads. Plus: the Mercury’s slump and the fits we can’t get enough of
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 3, 2026, 11:00 AMThe WNBA has depth, and its expansion teams are proving it
Around the league, former role players are breaking through as stars for their new squads. Plus: the Mercury’s slump and the fits we can’t get enough of
- The Guardian SportJun 3, 2026, 11:00 AMThe WNBA has depth, and its expansion teams are proving it | Jordan Robinson
Around the league, former role players are breaking through as stars for their new squads. Plus: the Mercury’s slump and the fits we can’t get enough of Sign up to get WNBA 30 in your inbox every Tuesday When WNBA expansion was discussed in previous years, it was all about wanting more. More cities where a new batch of fans can cheer for their new home team, more roster spots to limit the painful training camp cuts, and more overall opportunity for players to showcase their talent in the best women’s professional basketball league in the world. For the three expansion teams in the last two years: check, check and check. In a single season last year, the Golden State Valkyries were able to prove just how deep this league really is. Their star players had been role players on other teams. Veronica Burton, who was waived by the Dallas Wings in 2024, went on to win Most Improved. Kayla Thornton received her first All-Star selection after only averaging 5.5 points with the New York Liberty the season prior. Both helped the Valkyries become the first expansion team to earn a playoff spot in year one. The talent was always there, but with more varied opportunities to show their skills, the results were different. Continue reading...
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