WNBA Veteran Released After 16 Games Signs With New Team

Jul 21, 2025 10:57 AM EDT

Stephanie Talbot didn’t stay on the market for long.

After being waived by the Golden State Valkyries on July 13, the veteran forward has officially signed with the New York Liberty, giving her a fresh opportunity with one of the WNBA’s top contenders.

Talbot, now in her seventh WNBA season, was part of the Valkyries’ inaugural campaign, but after 16 games, 10 of them starts, Golden State decided to move in a different direction.

The 31-year-old guard, born in Australia, averaged 3.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just under 17 minutes per game. Her final outing came in a six-minute stint against the Atlanta Dream, where she scored two points.

The move came as Golden State tried to shake things up before the All-Star break. The Valkyries have dropped three straight and sit at 10-12 on the season. If the WNBA playoffs began today, Golden State would be the first team to miss the cut.

Talbot didn’t play in their final two games before being let go.

But Talbot isn’t new to bouncing back. She was originally drafted back in 2014 by the Phoenix Mercury, spent some time playing overseas, then returned to the WNBA in 2017.

Stephanie Talbot was signed to the New York Liberty after being waived by the Golden State Valkyries. — Source: © David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Since then, she’s had stops with the Lynx, Storm, Sparks, Valkyries, and now the Liberty, making her one of the league’s most experienced and well-traveled players.

The Liberty, currently eyeing another deep playoff run, are betting that Talbot’s versatility and veteran presence can bolster their depth. And for Talbot, it’s a chance to contribute to a team with serious championship aspirations as New York sits second in the standings.

Not a bad turnaround after a mid-season release.