WNBA Player Makes Career Decision on Thursday After Being Released
It's been quite the journey for 32-year-old Julie Vanloo. After recently winning EuroBasket Women 2025 for the second time in her career with the Belgian national team, Vanloo was traveling from Athens to San Francisco when she learned she had been released by the Golden State Valkyries.
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Understandably shocked and disappointed, Vanloo didn't remain a free agent for long. Known as one of Europe's top guards, she came to the WNBA later in her career after a successful run overseas. She played with the Washington Mystics in 2024, then was selected by Golden State in the WNBA expansion draft.
Now, she's found a new home in Los Angeles.
The Sparks officially signed Vanloo on Thursday afternoon, announcing the move with a post on X: 'Sparks sign guard Julie Vanloo. Welcome to LA, Julie!'
While with Washington last season, Vanloo played in all 40 games and started 34 of them. She averaged 7.4 points and 4.3 assists per game, and her 173 assists were the seventh most by a WNBA rookie in 2024.
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Her time in Golden State was less productive. She appeared in just nine games, starting two, and averaged 4.6 points and 4.1 assists in 20 minutes per game before being waived.
Former Golden State Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo (35).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Vanloo joined the Sparks' active roster ahead of their Thursday night road game against the New York Liberty, hoping to provide immediate impact. The Sparks will face Indiana on Saturday before returning home to host Minnesota on July 10.
Los Angeles enters Thursday with a 5-12 record, sitting sixth in the Western Conference. The team has dropped seven of its last 10 games, including a 92-85 home loss to Chicago on Sunday, struggling with injuries and inconsistent bench production.
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Kelsey Plum leads Los Angeles in scoring with 20.6 points per game.
Related: Kate Martin Makes Clear Admission After Valkyries Cut Teammates
Related: Caitlin Clark Had One Word After WNBA Legend Sue Bird Receives Big News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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