Valkyries Sign UConn Star: EuroBasket Impact
The Golden State Valkyries address Eurobasket absences and bolster their roster by signing Kaitlyn Chen and Chloe Bibby. Chen,a rookie guard from UConn and a third-round draft pick,and Bibby,a forward with college experience at Maryland,step in to fill crucial gaps.the signings come as key players like Janelle Salaun, Julie Vanloo, and Cecilia Zandalasini compete overseas in the Eurobasket tournament. Chen, the first Taiwanese-American drafted into the WNBA, is looking to make an impact. These moves showcase the Valkyries’ proactive approach during a period of international competition. News Directory 3 reports on the unfolding story. Chen and Bibby are expected to be available for the June 17th game. Discover what’s next for these players and the team’s future.
Valkyries Bolster Roster with Chen, Bibby amid Eurobasket Absences
The Golden State valkyries, facing roster depletion due to the Eurobasket tournament, have signed guard Kaitlyn chen and forward Chloe Bibby. The Valkyries have several players competing overseas, necessitating the additions.
The team suspended the contracts of Janelle Salaun, Julie Vanloo, and Cecilia Zandalasini, and waived Kyara Linskens to allow them to participate in Eurobasket. Salaun is playing for France, Vanloo and Linskens for Belgium, and Zandalasini for Italy.
To fill the gaps, the Valkyries initially brought back Laeticia Amihere, a training camp cut. They also signed veteran Aerial Powers. On Sunday, the team announced the signings of Bibby and Chen.
Bibby, an Australian forward who played college basketball at Maryland, had a training camp stint with Minnesota in 2023. Chen, a rookie guard from UConn, was drafted by the Valkyries in the third round of the 2025 WNBA Draft. She previously played four years at Princeton and won a national championship with UConn after transferring.
Chen, the first Taiwanese-American drafted into the WNBA, was initially waived near the end of training camp. She then signed with the 3×3 Basketball Association before being re-signed by the Valkyries.
While Chen may see limited playing time behind guards Tiffany Hayes, Kate Martin, Carla Leite, and Powers, the prospect to practice and travel with the team is valuable. With WNBA expansion on the horizon, players on hardship contracts are essentially auditioning for more permanent roles next season.
Chen and bibby are expected to be available for the Valkyries’ game against the Dallas Wings on June 17. This could give Chen her first opportunity to play against former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers as professionals.
What’s next
Chen and Bibby will look to make an impact as the Valkyries navigate a challenging stretch with key players absent.Their performance could influence their chances of securing a roster spot in the future as the WNBA expands.