The Golden State Valkyries made headlines across the WNBA by waiving veteran guard Julie Vanloo just after she arrived in San Francisco. Vanloo had flown in from Belgium, where she helped her national team capture a historic 2025 EuroBasket title. The timing of the move, which forced her to miss her country’s celebration, sparked a wave of criticism from fans and players alike, putting the Valkyries’ decision-making under a microscope.
Timing of Julie Vanloo Waiver Draws Criticism for Golden State Valkyries
Vanloo traveled from the championship courts in Greece to the Bay Area, skipping Belgium’s victory celebration to honor her commitment to the Valkyries. Instead of rejoining the WNBA roster, she learned she had been waived shortly after landing.
The Valkyries did not have a game scheduled for several days, which left many questioning why the team could not have delivered the news with more consideration. Their last game was on June 29 against the Seattle Storm, and their next game is on July 5 against the Minnesota Lynx.
When asked about the timing, head coach Natalie Nakase said she believed it was respectful to deliver the news face to face.
The clip was originally shared by ClutchPoints’ Kenzo Fukuda and was reposted by reporter Nathan Canilao on X.
Natalie Nakase on the timing of waivingJulie Vanloo as she landed in San Francisco:
“From my perspective, I thought it was respectful because whenever a situation like that happens, you bring them in and as a adult you say thanks face to face.”
Shoutout @nathancanilao for the Q pic.twitter.com/1SHRaa0RIN
– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) July 2, 2025
Nakase also described the cuts of Vanloo, Chloe Bibby, and Bree Hall as “heartbreaking.”
“It was heartbreaking. It was painful,” Nakase admitted. “I’m not a mom but it was like I gave away three kids… I wish I could keep them all to be honest.”
Fans quickly voiced their dismay online. On X, one posted, “Not a good look, Natalie…,” after Nakase called the Valkyries’ method of waiving Vanloo via an Instagram post “respectful.”
Not a good look, Natalie…
– SmithBriniGrafLund (@2MINIHULK) July 3, 2025
Another fan wrote, “You don’t waive a player while they’re on a plane, on their way to your facility, believing that they still have a job. That’s just bad karma/judgment from God you’re asking for. It was 1000% cold-hearted and inconsiderate.”
One fan called the move “disrespectful,” pointing out that there was no urgent game or practice that required Vanloo’s immediate return.
“Yall made her fly out like 15+ hours and miss a celebration that she deserved to be at because you wanted to fire her face to face? Like at least let the girl stay to celebrate and thennnn let her know! completely disrespectful!” a fan commented.
Yall made her fly out like 15+ hours and miss a celebration that she deserved to be at because you wanted to fire her face to face? Like at least let the girl stay to celebrate and thennnn let her know! 😅 completely disrespectful!
– Melissa🌻 (@Msmelissairene) July 2, 2025
Others echoed that the Valkyries could have waited at least a day to deliver the news, allowing Vanloo to recover from her long flight before learning her fate. “They could have waited the next day or even 2. The paperwork was already done. This is the Cali mindset,” a fan wrote.
Another commented, “Nakase sounds like a real piece of work. Nothing respectful about waiving someone while they’re on plane. Like I said trash org.”
Vanloo Shares Her Side After Emotional Exit
Vanloo addressed the situation on Instagram, sharing her heartbreak on July 1. “Literally just touched down in the Bay. I need some time to process all of this and put my feels into words,” she wrote, using several heartbreak emojis.
On July 2, Vanloo posted again, expressing her vulnerability. She wrote, “After traveling 18 hours back to the Bay, I missed the fan ceremony and the chance to share that special medal moment with my family and friends. I got back to San Fran as soon as I could. I left the party in the middle of the night after the game. To hear 1 hour upon arrival: we have to waive you. Honestly, that stung.”
“I understand it’s business, but nothing prepares you for the loneliness that comes with getting cut. It feels like the whole world suddenly crashes on your shoulders,” Vanloo added.
View this post on Instagram
Her post drew support from fellow athletes and fans, who praised her professionalism under pressure. The response highlighted the emotional side of roster moves in professional sports.
Despite the abrupt end in San Francisco, Vanloo’s resume remains strong. She is a two-time FIBA EuroBasket champion and a proven leader on the court. Her representatives are already seeking new opportunities, hoping to sign with a team that will value her skills and show her the respect she deserves.
