Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams has been selected as a two-time All-Star, receiving recognition as a starter for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game set in Chicago on July 25. This marks the first occasion in Williams’ professional career that she has been voted to start in an All-Star game.
Williams, at 29, raised worry about her ability to participate in the event after leaving the Valkyries’ victory against Toronto Tempo on July 8. The team’s statement, through Kenzo Fukuda, announced Williams’ absence for the rest of the game due to a back contusion.
Back injuries can present complications, as demonstrated by Caitlin Clark throughout the season. Despite this, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase minimized concerns about any long-term issues. “I actually did not check with medical, but she was smiling, so that’s all I can say,” Nakase mentioned to Madisyn Cunningham.
Williams is the primary scorer for the Valkyries this season, contributing an average of 15.3 points per game. Her performances are integral to the Valkyries establishing themselves as the leading team in the WNBA currently.
Golden State’s victory over Toronto marks their sixth consecutive win, bringing their current record to 16-7. Alongside the Minnesota Lynx, who hold a record of 16-6, Golden State leads the league in wins. The Las Vegas Aces, the current champions, are in close pursuit with a record of 15-6.
The Valkyries made a significant impact during their inaugural season last year, becoming the first WNBA team to enter the playoffs in their debut season, setting a historical record for the league. This year, Golden State continues to prove its capability to compete for the championship, showcasing themselves as serious contenders for the title.