By Mauricio Segura July 1, 2025
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Golden State’s roller coaster inaugural WNBA season took a dramatic twist when veteran Belgian guard Julie Vanloo endured an 18-hour transatlantic flight only to learn she had been waived from the Valkyries the moment she touched down. The backstory reads more like a tense drama than a typical roster move.
Vanloo, a steady hand picked by Golden State in December’s expansion draft from the Washington Mystics, was a key part of the Valkyries’ early rotation. She averaged 4.6 points, 4.1 assists, and nearly 20 minutes per game across nine contests, even starting twice. Meanwhile, back in Europe, she shone brightly for Belgium, earning EuroBasket gold with solid averages of 9.8 points, 5.3 assists, and about 4 rebounds per game. She also secured a spot on the all-tournament second team.
There was no rest or celebration for her crowning achievement. Vanloo skipped Belgian festivities entirely and flew directly to San Francisco. Eighteen hours later, she arrived only to be informed her contract had been terminated. Fans, teammates, and viewers alike were stunned by the timing. EuroBasket MVP Emma Meesseman slammed the move on social media, calling it crazy to make Vanloo miss a unique moment.
Making roster moves isn’t easy for coach Natalie Nakase. She pointed out that the WNBA allows only 12 players, meaning returns from EuroBasket and the integration of Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaün, Iliana Rupert, and Temi Fágbénlé required difficult decisions. Nakase admitted it felt like breaking up the family, a decision made not lightly but under the harsh constraints of league rules.
Performance-wise, the stat books weren’t in Vanloo’s favor. During her WNBA appearances, the team went 4-5 when she played, and she struggled with turnovers, averaging 2.6 per game. Her net rating hovered around minus 22.5, one of the lowest in the league for players logging at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, interim guard Kaitlyn Chen seized her opportunity overseas, shooting 50 percent from deep in four games and helping the Valkyries go 5-2. This improvement was credited in part to better ball security and stronger defense.
Vanloo was not alone in the Valkyries' roster cuts. Chloe Bibby and rookie Bree Hall were also waived. Bibby, an Australian forward, averaged 6.4 points off the bench and made an impressive 42.1 percent of her three-point attempts. Hall, a rookie, saw minimal action, totaling just eight minutes across two appearances. These roster moves cleared space for returning international stars Zandalasini and Salaün.
The Valkyries’ tight roster situation reflects a broader challenge in the WNBA. With no room beyond 12, teams juggling international duties are forced into painful decisions. Vanloo’s exit underscores a growing call across the league for expanded roster sizes. Even just a 13th or 14th slot could provide the flexibility teams need and prevent situations like this from becoming common.
The story did not end on the Bay’s tarmac. Vanloo was quickly picked up on waivers by the Los Angeles Sparks and suited up to play against the New York Liberty shortly thereafter. Now reunited with fellow Belgian guard Julie Allemand, she has a fresh opportunity to contribute and reset her WNBA journey.
So what lessons can we take from this saga? First, international success does not protect a player from the tough realities of the WNBA. Second, timing and communication matter. Public backlash shows that clubs need not just good judgment but also empathy and foresight. Finally, the Valkyries’ first season highlights how razor-thin the margins are in pro women’s basketball. With sellout crowds at Chase Center and a 9-7 record before EuroBasket, Golden State is soaring. But behind the scenes, the limitations of a 12-spot roster threaten team chemistry and player trust.
As the Valkyries head into their July 5 road game in Minnesota, all eyes are on Coach Nakase’s ability to re-forge cohesion among the newly returned international players. For Vanloo, the journey continues with lessons learned and a new home in LA. And for the WNBA as a whole, it might be time to reevaluate the structure and think about expanding the roster rules to better support the league’s growing international talent.
