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Why 2026 WNBA season is different for Veronica Burton with Golden State Valkyries
TL;DR
Veronica Burton enters the 2026 WNBA season with the Golden State Valkyries as a recognized player, no longer needing to prove herself. This marks a significant shift in her career as she can focus on her game without the pressure of doubt.
Key points
- Veronica Burton is entering her second year with the Golden State Valkyries.
- She no longer has to prove herself as a player.
- Burton can focus on her game without the pressure of doubt.
Veronica BurtonGolden State Valkyries
Why 2026 WNBA season is different for Veronica Burton with Golden State Valkyries originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Veronica Burton won't stop working.
But for the first time as a new WNBA season tips off Friday night, she won't have to prove herself. In her second year with the Golden State Valkyries, Burton is finally a known commodity.
That has to be a comforting spot to be. Instead, of having to overcome all the doubters, she can finally just be herself.
Burton was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings out of Northwestern, but she rarely got large opportunities in two seasons with the Wings.
She spent the 2024 campaign with the Connecticut Sun and got just 12.7 minutes per night.
But when the Valkyries had their expansion draft, they saw something in Burton, and she paid off their belief in her.
Burton started all 44 regular season games in 2025 and averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals.
She was actually the first player in WNBA history to increase by 5 PPG, 2 RPG and 2 APG from one season to another.
Q&A
What makes the 2026 WNBA season different for Veronica Burton?
The 2026 season is different for Veronica Burton because she is now a known commodity and no longer has to prove herself.
Which team is Veronica Burton playing for in the 2026 WNBA season?
Veronica Burton is playing for the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA season.
How has Veronica Burton's role changed in her second year with the Valkyries?
In her second year with the Valkyries, Veronica Burton's role has changed as she can focus on being herself rather than overcoming doubts.
