Stephanie Talbot’s journey with the Los Angeles Sparks has taken another unexpected turn, as the veteran forward is officially headed to the Golden State Valkyries following the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft. The move marks the end of her brief but impactful tenure in Los Angeles and opens a new chapter for the expansion franchise building its inaugural roster.
Talbot originally joined the Sparks in February 2023, but just three weeks later, she suffered a torn ACL during a WNBL game, sidelining her for the entire 2023 season. Her long-awaited return finally came on June 2, 2024, when she debuted for the Sparks and ultimately earned her way into the starting lineup. She appeared in 10 games, averaging 16.2 minutes, 3.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists while boasting one of the strongest assist-to-turnover ratios on a youthful Sparks team known for struggling in that department. Her steady play earned her a one-year contract extension in August.
Throughout the season, former Sparks head coach Curt Miller frequently praised Talbot for her poise, intelligence and versatility. At 6’2, she brought rare flexibility to the floor — a forward capable of threading difficult passes, spacing the court, defending multiple positions and crashing the boards.
Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley expressed gratitude for Talbot’s contributions following the expansion draft selection. “Steph brought experience, toughness and playmaking ability to our team, and we thank her for everything she brought to the Sparks,” Pebley said. “Golden State is getting a strong leader, and we wish her the best in the Bay.”
Despite Talbot’s value, Los Angeles’ decision not to protect her in the expansion draft was rooted in strategy. With only six protected roster spots available, the last-place Sparks needed to prioritize offensive production. While Talbot provides veteran leadership and defensive assets, her scoring numbers in 2024 did not reflect an offensive boost: she averaged 3.5 points per game on 39.5% shooting from two — the second-lowest mark of her career — and 26% from three.
With incoming head coach Lynn Roberts expected to revitalize the Sparks’ stagnant offense, the franchise appears focused on players who can help lift the league’s lowest offensive rating from 2024. Talbot’s $125,000 contract, one of the higher salaries on the team, also played a role. Her departure frees significant cap space, pushing Los Angeles’ available room to $470,930 — enough to accommodate two max contracts and reshape the roster heading into 2025.
For the Golden State Valkyries, Talbot’s arrival is a major win. She joins an expansion roster loaded with international talent, including Iliana Rupert, Maria Conde, Carla Leite, Cecilia Zandalasini and Julie Vanloo. Her leadership, defensive presence and high basketball IQ align with head coach Natalie Nakase’s vision for a gritty and adaptable team.
“We are excited to have officially started the journey of building the Golden State Valkyries 2025 team,” Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in a press release. “Our goal was to construct a roster that embodies both versatility and depth, bringing in a strong mix of leadership, defense and scoring ability.”
As the Valkyries prepare for their debut season, Talbot’s experience and resilience make her a foundational piece of the franchise’s identity. Meanwhile, the Sparks now face a pivotal offseason, armed with cap space and urgency as they work to rebuild and reestablish themselves in a rapidly evolving WNBA landscape.
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