The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest expansion team, are facing criticism after waiving rookie guard Kaitlyn Chen, with some questioning whether the team unfairly capitalized on her

One of the more heartwarming moments from last month's WNBA draft involved Kaitlyn Chen, a rookie guard and former UConn teammate of No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers. Chen didn't expect to be drafted—she was only at the event to support Bueckers—but ended up hearing her own name called by the Golden State Valkyries at No. 30 overall.

When former UConn Huskies guard Kaitlyn Chen was selected by the Golden State Valkyries with the No. 30 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, both UConn and Golden State fans were ecstatic and super happy for Chen earning this opportunity to prove her worth in the world's best women's basketball league.