The WNBA landscape is dynamic, a whirlwind of exhilarating talent, intense competition, and, at times, swift roster changes that can make or break a young player’s dreams. For Bree Hall, the highly touted guard out of South Carolina and a two-time NCAA champion, the initial sting of being waived by the Indiana Fever after being selected 20th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft was undoubtedly a bitter pill. However, in a compelling narrative of resilience and opportunity, news has broken that Bree Hall has officially signed with the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team making significant waves in their inaugural season. This move is far more than a simple transaction; it represents a new chapter for Hall, a strategic acquisition for the Valkyries, and a compelling story of a promising talent finding her footing in the demanding professional league.
Bree Hall’s collegiate career at South Carolina under the legendary Dawn Staley was nothing short of decorated. Playing alongside a roster teeming with future WNBA talent, Hall developed into a reliable “3-and-D” wing, known for her strong defensive capabilities and her burgeoning three-point shooting. Her time with the Gamecocks instilled in her a winning mentality, a fierce competitive drive, and the discipline required to succeed at the highest levels. Winning two national championships and consistently playing in high-pressure environments prepared her for the rigors of professional basketball.
When the Indiana Fever drafted Hall in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, many saw it as a logical fit. The Fever, building around superstar Caitlin Clark, were in need of versatile defenders and complementary shooters. Hall’s skillset seemed tailor-made to contribute. However, the WNBA’s roster crunch is notoriously tight, with only 12 teams (now 13 with expansion) and limited roster spots. After participating in preseason, including a game where she scored nine points and grabbed four rebounds in 16 minutes against the Brazilian national team, Hall was ultimately waived by the Fever on May 5th, part of the difficult decisions teams must make to finalize their rosters. This moment, while undoubtedly disappointing for Hall, is a common reality for many draftees, especially those outside the lottery picks. The line between making a roster and being cut is incredibly fine, often coming down to fit, financial considerations, and the depth charts of individual teams.
For weeks after the waiver, Hall remained a free agent, a period of uncertainty for any professional athlete. However, her proven talent, winning pedigree, and specific skillset clearly kept her on the radar of WNBA teams. The opportunity arose with the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest expansion franchise, who commenced play in the 2025 season. Expansion teams often face unique challenges in roster construction, relying on a mix of expansion draft picks, free agent signings, and late-round draft picks or waived players to build their initial squad. The Valkyries, notably, have started their inaugural season surprisingly well, exceeding initial expectations and demonstrating a strong team identity built on collective effort and defensive grit.
The timing of Bree Hall’s signing with the Valkyries is particularly insightful. The WNBA, like many professional sports leagues, experiences periods where player availability can be impacted by international commitments. Specifically, the EuroBasket 2025 tournament has drawn several international players away from their WNBA teams to represent their national squads. This creates temporary roster vacancies, often filled by teams signing players to “rest-of-season” contracts or temporary hardship deals. The Valkyries, having several international players fulfilling national team commitments, found themselves in need of depth, particularly on the wing. This opened the door for Hall.
The move is a win-win. For Bree Hall, it’s a monumental second chance. It validates her talent and hard work, proving that her initial setback was not the end of her WNBA aspirations. She now has a clear path to showcase her abilities in regular-season WNBA games, potentially proving to be a valuable asset for the Valkyries beyond just a temporary stint. Her “3-and-D” capabilities are highly valued in the modern WNBA, and her defensive tenacity will fit well with the Valkyries’ identity. Furthermore, joining an expansion team often presents more opportunities for playing time and development compared to trying to crack a veteran-laden roster.
For the Golden State Valkyries, signing Hall is a shrewd strategic move. They gain a talented, championship-tested wing who can immediately contribute. Her defensive instincts and ability to guard multiple positions will be a significant asset, especially as they navigate the absences of their international players. Moreover, acquiring a player with Hall’s potential from the waive wire demonstrates the Valkyries’ commitment to constantly improving their roster and taking advantage of opportunities that arise. It speaks to a proactive front office and coaching staff, led by head coach Natalie Nakase, who are clearly intent on building a competitive team from the ground up.
The signing has also generated a buzz among fans, especially those who followed Hall’s successful collegiate career at South Carolina. The “Gamecock mafia” in the WNBA is strong, and seeing another one of their own find a professional home is a source of pride. The narrative of a player battling back after being waived resonates deeply, offering inspiration and reinforcing the idea that perseverance can lead to new opportunities.
Bree Hall’s journey to the WNBA has been one of hard work, collegiate glory, a temporary setback, and now, a promising new beginning. Her signing with the Golden State Valkyries is a testament to her talent, the WNBA’s ever-evolving roster dynamics, and the constant search for competitive advantage within the league. As the Valkyries continue their impressive inaugural season, Hall’s arrival injects fresh talent and renewed hope, making her story one to watch closely as she strives to make her mark on the WNBA stage. She’s not just a new player on a new team; she’s a symbol of resilience, and her presence adds another layer of intrigue to the exciting narrative of the 2025 WNBA season.
