Explaining the rules of the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft: How does it impact Fever?

The Indiana Fever will have anything but a quiet offseason. Caitlin Clark got the franchise back in contention and is already the face of the W. The Fever are determined to build a title contender around her. They have already shaken up their front office, but it won’t stop there.

The WNBA is adding a 13th franchise this offseason before two more teams join in 2026. The league's popularity is exploding, and adding more franchises will make it grow further. The Golden State Valkyries will play in the 2025 season and have a chance to shape their roster through the expansion draft.

Every team will be impacted by the upcoming draft. Here is a look at the details before diving in on how it will directly and indirectly affect the Fever.

Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft rules

The Valkyries will be allowed to select up to 12 players from a pool of available talents currently in the WNBA. Each current franchise can protect six players and the remaining names are eligible to be selected by Golden State.

The new franchise takes on the contract or negotiating rights of whatever players they select. Golden State can only select one unrestricted free agent and one player from each team. The Valkyries will also get a trading window before the expansion draft to make moves.

When is the Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft?

The draft takes place on Friday, December 6, 2024.

How to watch the Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft

The draft will be televised on ESPN. Fans without cable can watch on Fubo TV, Watch ESPN, YouTube TV, Hulu, or the ESPN app.

Projecting the Fever’s protected players

It won’t be an easy decision for Indiana. Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexi Hull are instant choices, but the Fever have several options for the final two picks. It will depend on if they can make moves before the draft. NaLyssa Smith and Temi Fagbenle are the two most likely options right now, but things could change rapidly.

How many players can the Fever lose?

The Valkyries can only select one player from each team. There is no guarantee they draft a player from Indiana’s roster, but no franchise will lose more than one talent.

How many players will Golden State Valkyries select in the expansion draft?

Golden State can draft up to 12 players, but they do not need to. The Valkyries have a full stockpile of draft capital and the ability to sign free agents. It will be on their leadership to figure out how to best fill out their roster. Expect the Valkyries to make multiple selections in the expansion draft, but they may stop short of 12.

Golden State has already sold more than 17,000 season tickets for their inaugural season. It will be a sellout crowd every night, which should draw plenty of interest from talent. They may rival the Fever for the top attendance in the W in 2025 but expect Indiana to be better positioned to contend.

The Indiana Fever are facing a crucial offseason as they look to build their roster around Caitlin Clark. Their goal is to add depth and talent in hopes of becoming a true title contender. It won’t be easy, but stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.