WNBA Team Signs One-Time Champion Amid Star's Absence

The WNBA's Golden State Valkyries announced today that point guard Julie Vanloo will be temporarily away from the team as she joins the Belgian National Team for the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Belgium begins group play on June 19 against Portugal.

Vanloo had appeared in every game for Golden State this season, averaging 4.6 points and 4.1 assists per game. The Valkyries, in their inaugural season, held a 4–5 record at the time of the announcement, having won their last two games, including a thrilling 89–81 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday night.

Following the announcement of Vanloo's departure, the Valkyries announced the signing of free agent guard Aerial Powers to fill the void.  

"Roster Update: The Golden State Valkyries have signed guard @aerial_powers23. Powers will join the team immediately and be available against Seattle on Saturday."

Powers was selected by the Dallas Wings with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft and earned WNBA All-Rookie Team honors following her debut season.

Powers spent two more seasons with Dallas before joining the Washington Mystics, where she played from 2018 to 2020. She was a key contributor on the Mystics' 2019 WNBA championship team.

Aerial Powers with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston

© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Injuries began to take a toll after that title run. The following season, a hamstring injury limited her to just six games. Powers then spent the next three seasons (2021–2023) with the Minnesota Lynx, but saw limited playing time due to ongoing injury issues. 

She signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Dream in 2024, but a calf injury sidelined her for the second half of the season. She had been unsigned since last season until joining the Valkyries.