The timing couldn’t have been more poetic. On Saturday night, Cecilia Zandalasini lit up the scoreboard with a career-high 18 points, helping the Golden State Valkyries demolish the Las Vegas Aces 95–68 and snap a four-game losing streak. It felt like a breakthrough moment, until the very next day, when the Valkyries made a surprising announcement that left fans double-taking.

“Cecilia Zandalasini will temporarily step away from the Golden State Valkyries to represent the Italian National Team at FIBA EuroBasket 2025,” the team posted on X.
“Italy opens group play on June 18 vs. Serbia in Bologna.
Good luck, @ceciznd!”

Just like that, Zandalasini’s contract was officially suspended to allow her to join Italy’s national squad for the prestigious tournament. She isn’t alone—fellow Valkyries Julie Vanloo (Belgium), Janelle Salaün (France), and Temi Fagbenle (Great Britain) are also expected to leave for international duty. EuroBasket, which runs from June 18–29, serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, and Zandalasini played a pivotal role in Italy’s qualifying campaign.

Before her departure, the 29-year-old forward had been a crucial piece in Golden State’s rotation, starting in the last two games and averaging 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 23 minutes per contest. A seasoned international star and 2017 WNBA champion, her leadership and floor spacing gave the expansion franchise a reliable scoring wing.

To balance the roster, Golden State signed Laeticia Amihere, who scored 20 points in their preseason opener, and released center Kyara Linskens. “The WNBA has been a dream,” Linskens had said earlier in the season. “This is something completely new and I told myself, ‘I want to focus on this.’”

Still, Zandalasini leaves a void, especially with eight games scheduled before she returns. Whether Amihere or others can rise to the occasion remains to be seen. For now, the Valkyries must adjust their game plan—mid-season—without one of their most reliable scorers, as Zandalasini trades purple and gold for blue and white.

It’s Not Just Cecilia Zandalasini thats leaving the W

Zandalasini’s departure is just the start of a larger wave set to hit WNBA rosters this June. The 2025 EuroBasket tournament kicks off June 18 and spans four countries—Czechia, Germany, Greece, and Italy. While it’s great news for national teams, it’s causing major headaches in the WNBA as rosters thin out just when teams are starting to gel.

The Valkyries are among the hardest hit. Alongside Zandalasini, Julie Vanloo will join Belgium, and Janelle Salaün will represent France. Temi Fagbenle, who previously played for Great Britain, is also expected to depart but hasn’t confirmed yet.

Other teams are bracing, too. The Liberty will lose Germany’s Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally, the Sparks will part with Julie Allemand (Belgium), the Sky may say goodbye to Kamillia Cardoso (Brazil), and the Wings will say goodbye to Teaira McGowan (Belgium) and Luisa Geiselsoder (Germany).

Not everyone is boarding flights. Some players are choosing to stay stateside: Gabby Williams, Dominique Malonga, and Marine Johannes declined to represent France. Kyara Linskens won’t suit up for Belgium, Satou Sabally (Germany) and Natasha Mack (Montenegro) are staying with their teams, and Aces forward Megan Gustafson won’t be joining Spain.

For WNBA coaches, this is a playbook scramble. While EuroBasket offers national pride and a shot at the World Cup, its timing slices into the heart of the WNBA regular season. And as the Valkyries try to stay afloat in their debut campaign, they now face a full-court press of roster instability.