Valkyries All-Star Kayla Thornton Out for Rest of WNBA Season with Knee Injury

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton underwent season-ending surgery on her right knee, the team announced Friday.

Thornton suffered the knee injury while practicing "earlier this week," per the team.

The 32-year-old's upcoming absence is a tough blow for the Valkyries, as she was named an All-Star for the first time in her career this season.

Thornton spent the 2024 season with the New York Liberty, playing a key role off the bench during the team's championship run before she was acquired by Golden State in the 2025 Expansion Draft.

She immediately stood out on a Valkyries squad that exceeded expectations to begin the regular season and currently sits at No. 9 in the WNBA standings with a 10-12 record.

Thornton leads Golden State in points, rebounds and steals this season.

She's averaging 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals on a nightly basis while connecting on 44.8 percent of her two-point field goals. While Thornton has only hit 28.2 percent of her threes, she's increased her volume by attempting a career-high 6.5 triples per game.

Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase previously praised Thornton's consistency.

"KT is super reliable," Nakase said, per the team's official website. "She's built confidence through her hard work. I love when people show me that they want to be that person. They just don't talk about it, but KT backs it up with action and that's what I love about her. When she is consistent and vocal, we usually come out with a W."

With Thornton sidelined until the 2026 season, Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton will take on larger offensive roles as they look to help Golden State secure a playoff berth.