Valkyries Rookie Kaitlyn Chen Makes EuroLeague Decision
There are a variety of routes that WNBA players take once the regular season is down.
The comparatively low pay of the average WNBA player means that most turn to another source of income in basketball once their WNBA commitments are done for the year. The Unrivaled Basketball League, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is approaching its second season and is one route many players take to play 3x3 basketball before they return to their respective teams.
However, the most common route historically for players to take is to travel overseas and play in international leagues that operate on a different schedule from the WNBA. Playing in these leagues provides players with supplemental income and provides them with a chance to keep their skills sharp.
Kaitlyn Chen joins the reigning Champs for her #EuroLeagueWomen debut 👀🌟
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) October 3, 2025
(📷: @valkyries) pic.twitter.com/9FigxCDYLF
Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen will be one of these players. Chen will be traveling to Prague, Czech Republic, to play for USK Praha of EuroLeague Women this season, the league announced on Friday.
Chen Joining the Cream of the Crop in EuroLeague
USK Praha is the reigning champion of EuroLeague Women and one of the premier destinations in European basketball. The team has won 18 national championships in the Czech Republic and two EuroLeague championships, most recently in 2025.
This will be Chen's first foray into international basketball. She made her rookie debut with the Golden State Valkyries after being drafted in the third round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, and before then played collegiate ball at Princeton and later UConn as part of the team that win the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.
Coming off the bench in her debut season with the Valkyries, Chen averaged 2 points, 1 assist, and 0.9 rebounds per game while playing an average of 10.3 minutes per game.
Chen Adding to Her Experience Playing with Talented Guards
Playing with guards Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes and Kate Martin, Chen has already gained valuable experience under head coach Natalie Nakase's system. Nakase's style revolves around strong team synergy, bringing out the individual strengths of her players to contribute to a greater product.
In that sense, the European style of play will be familiar to Chen with its strong emphasis on team play and ball movement. The hard defense that the EuroLeague is known for will be a test for Chen and force her to adapt under pressure.
Playing with USK Praha will be a valuable experience for Chen, playing high-caliber ball in a championship-winning system. Playing alongside guards Petra Malikova and Pauline Aster, Chen will have a chance to flourish alongside accomplished European veterans to continue refining her game and hunt for another EuroLeague championship, energy she can bring back to the Valkyries.
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Bio: Jack Haslett is a writer and photographer covering Golden State Valkyries basketball for Sports Illustrated. Jack has previously published work with the Sporting Tribune, the Long Beach Current and DIG Magazine, covering sports, community events and news. A graduate from Long Beach State University, Jack has a passion for writing, photography and all things sports.