The Golden State Valkyries are finding their footing in their first WNBA season, yet the club drew sharp criticism this week for a roster move that caught many fans off-guard. Belgian guard Julie Vanloo—signed earlier in the year after a stint with the Washington Mystics—was waived on Monday, just moments after stepping off an 18-hour journey from Europe to the Bay Area.
Vanloo had flown straight from Prague, where she had helped Belgium capture the EuroBasket title. Forgoing the team’s victory celebrations, she raced to California to rejoin the Valkyries, hoping to build on the nine appearances she logged before the tournament. Instead, the guard learned she was no longer on the squad almost as soon as she arrived, a development she later called “heartbreaking” in a candid Instagram post.
On Wednesday, head coach Natalia Nakase addressed the situation publicly for the first time. Nakase insisted the decision was handled face-to-face—“out of respect,” she said—so that Vanloo learned the news directly rather than through intermediaries or social media leaks. According to the coach, that personal conversation reflected the franchise’s commitment to treating players like adults, even in difficult moments.
Many observers still question the timing, noting that Vanloo sacrificed her celebration—and any chance to recuperate from the marathon flight—only to be released upon landing. The abrupt move has fueled debate about how expansion teams manage international commitments and player welfare.
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin declined to meet with reporters on Wednesday, leaving Nakase’s comments as the Valkyries’ lone explanation. Whether the team’s handling of Vanloo’s situation ultimately affects its reputation remains to be seen, but for now, the optics are anything but ideal.
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