Golden State Valkyries suspend contracts for players competing in FIBA World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 12:24 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
The Golden State Valkyries have temporarily suspended the contracts of forwards Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün, and Cecilia Zandalasini. The move comes as all three players depart to represent their respective national teams in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Williams and Salaün are slated to play for France, while Zandalasini will compete for Italy. The franchise, which has already secured a playoff spot in its second year of operation, will operate without these players during the international tournament. The team recently recorded a win against Portland, supported by 18 points from Tiffany Hayes and 17 from Kayla Thornton. These players are expected to rejoin the roster once their national team commitments conclude following the tournament.
- •Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün, and Cecilia Zandalasini have had their contracts temporarily suspended.
- •The three players are joining their national teams for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
- •The Golden State Valkyries have already qualified for the playoffs in their second season.
- •Tiffany Hayes and Kayla Thornton led the team in a recent victory over Portland.
- 12:24 PMYahoo Sports — Gabby Williams Is Among Three Valkyries With Contracts Temporarily Suspended Before FIBA World Cup
"Gabby Williams is in Berlin to represent her country in the FIBA World Cup, with the schedule most likely leading her to a face-off with many of her own teammates in Team USA. Williams and her Valkyries teammate Janelle Salaun are both playing for Team France and since they will be playing for Team France [...]
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