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The Golden State Valkyries has on a temporary basis suspended Temi Fagbenle's contract to allow her to feature in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket. Fagbenle left the expansion team to compete for Great Britain, which is eyeing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The franchise already knew about the veteran center's commitment towards her national team before signing her on a one-year, $90K contract.
Why was Temi Fagbenle's contract terminated?
Although the Golden State Valkyries suspended Fagbenle, they retained her rights. Not just this, the franchise made the decision to allow Janelle Salaun (France), Julie Vanloo (Belgium) and Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy) to play for their respected countries in the 2025 EuroBasket. On top of it, last week the Valkyries announced the waiving of Kyara Linskens, who will play for Belgium.
The 2025 EuroBasket will start from July 18 and will go on till July 29th. It will take place in Munich, Germany. The Golden State Valkyries and other teams players who will play in the tournament are expected to make moves in order to bolster the roster.
With key player out for their team duties in the 2025 EuroBasket, the expansion team to the decision to add Laeticia Amihere to the roster. The Valkyries had cut her off before the start of the season but got her back for the EuroBasket duration. Amihere will likely get more minutes in order to bolster the frontline, which will miss the services of Temi Fagbenle.
The Golden State Valkyries even added guards like Chloe Bibby and Kaitlyn Chen to replace Julie Vanloo and Janelle Salaun.
Valkyries will need Laeticia Amihere and Monique Billings to step up in absence of Temi Fagbenle
In the absence of Temi Fagbenle, head coach Natale Nakase will have to turn to Monique Billings in order to fill in for the Brit's spot. Billings has been averaging 7.5 points and 5.4 rebounds while playing as a backup for the Golden State Valkyries. She will need to step up in order to fill in the gap left by Fagbenle as the averages 10.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Having acquired the services of Amihere, it gives the expansion size and versatility following Fagbenle's absence and the release of Kyara Linskens. Amihere has the potential to play at the wings but she will likely become the backup center while Billings joins the starting lineup.
The Golden State Valkyries are off to a great start to their first season in the WNBA as they have a 5-5 record. They are on a three game winning streak and will now take on Dallas Wings on Tuesday.
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