The Golden State Valkyries’ decision to waive rookie guard Kaitlyn Chen before the start of the 2025 WNBA season sparked immediate fan reaction. But a candid social media comment from Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally fueled the fire and stirred controversy around the league.
Chen, a former standout at Princeton and UConn, was drafted No. 30 overall by the Valkyries last month. Despite public praise from head coach Natalie Nakase during training camp and fan excitement around her addition, Chen was cut on May 14. Her brief stint with Golden State included appearances in both preseason games, where she logged modest numbers: two points, three rebounds, and one assist in under 13 minutes of total action.
The Valkyries’ release of Chen came amid a roster overhaul that saw Golden State waive all its 2025 draft picks, including former first-rounder Laeticia Amihere, opting for a more veteran-heavy group heading into its inaugural season.
Satou Sabally Responds to Viral Criticism
The decision drew sharp criticism online, particularly from a TikTok user who accused the Valkyries of using Chen for promotional clout without serious intent to retain her. The post suggested the franchise had capitalized on Chen’s popularity and background, only to discard her before the regular season began.
Sabally, a two-time All-Star and one of the Mercury’s leaders, responded to the post with a blunt message.
“Girl, she got a chance. That’s more than others get. And to promote her, and share her culture is amazing,” Sabally wrote. “She was introduced to the fanbase. She got waived bc she wasn’t good enough yet.”
The comment immediately sparked backlash from fans, particularly those loyal to UConn. They saw Sabally’s response as dismissive of Chen’s efforts and tone-deaf, given the emotional nature of the discussion. Fans rallied around Chen, pointing to her decorated college career and the limited number of WNBA roster spots as structural barriers that disproportionately impact young players.
Chen arrives in the professional ranks with a reputation as a cerebral playmaker and reliable leader. She won three Ivy League Most Outstanding Player awards at Princeton before transferring to UConn, where she started all 40 games in a national runner-up finish.
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase had highlighted Chen’s work ethic and presence early in camp, calling her “fearless” and “someone you can trust.” But those qualities weren’t enough to secure a spot on a roster that quickly prioritized proven veterans over developmental prospects.
Chen is now in the 48-hour waiver period, where other WNBA teams may claim her rights. If unclaimed, she becomes a free agent. With limited guard depth around the league and the constant risk of injury, she could still find a new landing spot. If not, overseas opportunities will likely be on the table.
A Broader Debate on WNBA Roster Challenges
Chen’s release and Sabally’s comments have reignited broader debates about the challenges facing WNBA rookies, particularly third-round picks. With just 12 roster spots per team — and 13 total franchises in the league — many talented players struggle to earn or maintain positions despite strong college resumes.
The Valkyries’ decision to cut all their 2025 draftees is unusual for an expansion team. Franchises in growth mode typically allocate more time to evaluating and developing young talent. In this case, Golden State appears to be fully leaning into a win-now strategy in its first year.
While Chen’s WNBA future remains uncertain, the outpouring of support — and the conversation surrounding it — may work in her favor. If not immediately, her reputation, discipline, and fan following suggest that her journey in professional basketball is far from over.
For Sabally, the firestorm surrounding her remarks reminds me of the scrutiny public figures face, especially when weighing in on sensitive topics tied to opportunity, visibility, and identity in the league.
