SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries have finally made a move in free agency after a quiet couple of days.
The Valkyries, a first-year WNBA franchise, announced on Monday afternoon that they added veteran forward Monique Billings as the team’s first-ever signing.
Golden State chose Billings in December’s expansion draft despite her status as a pending unrestricted free agent, a move that was met with surprise around the league.
WNBA teams were allowed to sign free agents beginning Saturday.
The 28-year-old forward ended last season with the Phoenix Mercury and played this winter for Guangdong in China’s WCBA.
“Monique brings veteran experience and elite rebounding ability to our frontcourt,” Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in a statement released by the team. “Her energy and physicality align perfectly with the style of play we’re building, and her seven years of WNBA experience will be invaluable to our inaugural team.”
Billings averaged 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 2024, her seventh season out of UCLA.
Related Articles
Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar and restaurant, preparing to open
Caitlin Clark declines invite to 3-point shootout at NBA All-Star weekend
WNBA free agency is underway. What will the Valkyries do?
Timeline: The biggest Bay Area sports stories of 2024
Bay Area sports rewind: Recounting the wild ride that was 2024
The 6-foot-4 forward spent six seasons in Atlanta to begin her career signing with Dallas last year. Billings was released midway through the year and was picked up by Phoenix.
“Monique’s versatility will make her an excellent addition to our roster,” Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said in the statement. “Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, with her tenacity and strength, will be crucial to our success.”
The Valkyries have also signed expansion draft picks Veronica Burton and Julie Vanloo to training camp contracts.
