Why 2026 WNBA season is different for Veronica Burton with Golden State Valkyries

Why 2026 WNBA season is different for Veronica Burton with Golden State Valkyries initially appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Veronica Burton will not cease working.

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But for the primary time as a brand new WNBA season suggestions off Friday night time, she will not should show herself. In her second 12 months with the Golden State ValkyriesBurton is lastly a identified commodity.

That must be a comforting spot to be. Instead, of getting to beat all of the doubters, she will lastly simply be herself.

Burton was the No. 7 general decide within the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings out of Northwestern, however she hardly ever obtained massive alternatives in two seasons with the Wings.

She spent the 2024 marketing campaign with the Connecticut Sun and obtained simply 12.7 minutes per night time.

But when the Valkyries had their enlargement draft, they noticed one thing in Burton, and he or she paid off their perception in her.

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Burton began all 44 common season video games in 2025 and averaged 11.9 factors, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals.

She was really the primary participant in WNBA historical past to extend by 5 PPG, 2 RPG and a couple of APG from one season to a different.

All of that mixed now leaves Burton in a different place getting into the 2026 season.

No longer is she the doubted. Now, she’s the chief.

She at all times had that functionality in her. From a household of athletes, Burton knew easy methods to compete with older, stronger, higher gamers.

Now, although, she’s the hooper enjoying at a excessive degree that may put a crew on her again at occasions.

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The Valkyries will wish to take a leap of their second season within the WNBA. To do it, they’re going to observe Burton the place she leads them.

MORE: Watch out for Dominique Malonga in her second WNBA season