On Saturday afternoon, the Golden State Valkyries announced they had waived guard Shyanne Sellers.
Surprising News out of the WNBA
The news is head-scratching after Golden State selected Sellers No. 17 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft. In their inaugural draft as an expansion franchise, the Valkyries additionally drafted Justé Jocyté (Lithuania) No. 5 and Kaitlyn Chen (UConn) No. 30 overall. It was surprising to several basketball analysts that Sellers fell out of the first round in the draft.
The move comes after a week full of training camp, and the Valkyries’ first pre-season game on May 6 against the Los Angeles Sparks. To be waived by an expansion team, is a bit peculiar to say the least.
The decision by Golden State stunned basketball fans across social media, especially since Sellers was originally tabbed as an early first-round pick. In the 2025 WNBA Ballislife mock draft, our staff writers selected Sellers going as early as No. 6 to the Washington Mystics.
According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, the Valkyries’ head coach had more to say about the recent move.
“She picked up everything we asked her to, did everything that we asked. It’s just that I have to choose the best 12 that are going to fit. Doesn’t mean it’s the most talented, it means it’s the best 12.”
—Kendra Andrews, ESPN
Shyanne Sellers Was a Standout at Maryland
A four-year standout out from Maryland, the former Terrapin averaged 12.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 120 career games. A career 34.6 percent shooter from beyond the arc, Sellers shot a career-high 40.8 percent from the 3-point line her senior year. Three-time First-Team All-Big Ten Sellers was named Big Ten All-Freshman in 2022. Furthermore, the Ohio native was named All-Big Ten Defensive her junior year.
Sellars joins Alyssa Thomas, Shakira Austin, Kristi Toliver, and Brionna Jones (among several others) as one of the all-time greats to play for the Old Line State. Sellers finished her collegiate career ranked third on the all time Terrapins assist list, and No. 12 overall in scoring.
Although she had dealt with a sprained PCL against Texas in January, Sellers led the Terrapins to the NCAA Tournament in all four years. An integral part of Maryland’s Sweet 16 run, the Terrapins conceded to the South Carolina, 71-67 in the third round. In what is considered one of the most memorable games in NCAA women’s basketball history, Maryland defeated Alabama 111–108 in double overtime.
Speaking of the knee injury, Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post reported Saturday evening that ‘Sellers passed medical exams’ both after leaving Maryland and before signing with the Valkyries. Copeland also noted that the injury was not a factor in Golden State’s decision to waive Sellers
Report: Health Was Not a Factor in the Valkyries’ Decision to Waive Shyanne Sellers
The Terrapins were able to overcome a 17 point deficit thanks to Sellers 28-point performance. Having shot 8-20 from the field, Sellers finished 3-8 from beyond the arc, and 9-9 from the charity stripe.
It was Sellers clutch seven fourth quarter points that propelled the matchup into overtime. In a back and forth offensive shootout with Alabamas’ Sarah Ashlee Barker, Sellers had nine points alone in two overtime periods.
Through three NCAA tournament games, Sellers averaged 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals. Playing an average of 37.5 minutes, Sellers struggled mightly from the field—shooting 34.1 percent from the field, and 23.1 percent from downtown.
Set to enter their first WNBA season, the Valkyries are to be led by Tiffany Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Temi Fagbenle, Kate Martin, and Julie Vanloo (just to name a few). Although missing a bona fide star, several experts tabbed Sellers as a favored franchise point guard.
Known for her defensive prowess, Sellers has exceptional guard height and versatility at 6 foot 2 inches. Able to score in a variety of ways, Sellers is a natural born playmaker.
Given there are a slim 156 roster spots in the WNBA, teams are destined to make cuts this week. Although the process has already begun, this was not an anticipated move. With that said teams have until May 15 to finalize and trim their rosters.
Although Sellers has yet to take part in preseason action, she’s destined to land on a WNBA roster. After all, it’s not the draft number, but where it makes sense. While there’s not a clear explanation for the decision, she simply may fit better elsewhere.
Below are the teams that could best use Sellers’ services while also developing her and giving the standout another opportunity.
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics received devastating news this week after No.6 overall pick Georgia Amoore is out for the 2026 with an ACL injury. Given Amoore and Sellers were among the strongest point guards and facilitators in the draft, the Mystics could use her services.
Having drafted three first-round picks in the draft (Amoore, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron), newly hired GM Jamila Wideman is clearly committed to the rebuild. With Brittney Sykes, Sonia Citron, and Jade Melbourne in the backcourt, what better place for Sellers? She can make an immediate impact behind Slim at the point. After 22 turnovers in their first pre-season game against the Fever, it’s clear the Mystics lack facilitating.
New York Liberty
This is a long shot, however, New York Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb announced Saturday stated Betnijah Laney’s contract is ‘likely to be suspended’ following a knee injury (Geoff Magliochetti, Ballislife/ SI All Knicks).
With that announcement would open up one roster spot for New York. New York is stacked in the backcourt with Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Cloud. However, second year guard Jaylyn Sherrod continues to fight for a roster spot. Is it possible the defending champs take a chance on a rookie? After all, they gave up their first-round pick to the Connecticut Sun, in exchange for Natasha Cloud.
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun stole the show by drafting Aneesha Morrow Saniya Rivers no.7 and no. 8 in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Although the Sun have Marina Mabrey, Lindsay Allen, and Jacy Sheldon, and Rivers in the backcourt, why not take a chance on Sellers? If Connecticut made this move, that would have three potential first-round talent’s on the roster.
The Suns imploded in the offseason, unloading their talented roster. They have nothing to lose, and are in clear rebuild mode under newly signed head coach Rachid Meziane.
This story is all too common in the WNBA. With so few teams and limited roster spots, being a first-round draft pick unfortunately doesn’t guarantee a place on a roster. That said, we hope Sellers will find the right team to match her needs and showcase her talents. This is why the expansion and increased visibility of the WNBA remain critically important!
Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Writer, Journalist, Content Creator, Managing Editor, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
