The Golden State Valkyries have re-signed All-Star Kayla Thornton to a one-year contract, the team announced on Monday. Simple on paper, but it lands like a signal: they still believe in the version of Thornton who changes games.
Misryoum newsroom reported the deal is a protected contract worth $750,000. Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin framed it as both performance and personality, saying in a statement: “Kayla had an extraordinary season for this franchise and for herself,” and that Thornton became the team’s first-ever All-Star while stepping up as a leader from day one with a new roster.
Last season, Thornton really did look like the centerpiece. She posted career highs of 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, and scored in double figures in 18 of the 22 games she played. For a team still trying to find its rhythm, that kind of reliability—night after night—matters more than most people probably realize.
But then there’s the part everyone’s watching: she only played 22 games because of a knee injury that cut her season short shortly after the All-Star break. The team hasn’t announced a timetable for Thornton to return this season. Still, putting her on a one-year deal isn’t nothing—it suggests the Valkyries expect she’ll be available at some point this year. You can almost hear it in the quiet confidence around the move. The Chase Center crowd noise is gone by now, but that sense of “we’re not done” kind of sticks.
It also connects to the offseason chessboard. Thornton was one of four unrestricted free agents the Valkyries had going into the offseason, a list that included Monique Billings, Temi Fágbénlé and Tiffany Hayes. Billings has since signed with the Indiana Fever, while Hayes and Fágbénlé are still unsigned as of Monday morning. So Thornton staying put closes one door—but it doesn’t magically solve the rest of the roster questions.
And the Valkyries weren’t done. Thornton adds another 3-and-D wing to a team that signed Gabby Williams and brought back Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini. She also brings championship experience, having helped the New York Liberty win a title in 2024. It’s a blend they might need: production, leadership, and a winner’s mental map—plus depth in the wing spots.
Alongside Thornton, Misryoum editorial desk noted the team also announced that they have signed 10-year veteran Kiah Stokes to a multi-year deal and former Arizona star Cate Reese to a training camp contract. Stokes spent the last five seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, helping the franchise win three championships, including two when Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase was one of the team’s assistants. Misryoum newsroom reported Stokes’ contract is a protected two-year deal worth $761,250. Her career averages are 3.3 points and 5.4 rebounds, with 48.5% shooting from the field—so yeah, not a big scoring headline. But Nyanin called her “a strong defender” and “a great addition,” emphasizing she understands what it takes to win.
Reese, meanwhile, played five seasons at Arizona, earning four all-Pac-12 honors during her time in Tucson. She most recently played for Poland’s MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec, where she averaged 15.4 points and 10.6 rebounds across nine EuroCup games. The Valkyries also signed Mariella Fasoula, Miela Sowah, Laeticia Amihere and Kaitlyn Chen to the same training contract, making Reese the fifth such deal. It all adds up to a roster that’s stacking reps and options—though, with Thornton’s knee still the headline question, the whole thing may really hinge on when she’s able to get back on the court… or maybe how quickly she can.
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