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Tiffany Hayes Signs Record Deal with Golden State Valkyries

The veteran guard secures a 600,000 dollar contract with the WNBA expansion team following a standout season with the Las Vegas Aces.

Marcus Hale · Oct 20, 2026 · 2 min read

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Key highlights · 2 min read

  • Tiffany Hayes has inked a one-year deal worth 600,000 dollars with the Golden State Valkyries, marking the most lucrative single-season contract of her t…
  • This transition reunites the veteran with Natalie Nakase, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Aces and now leads the Valkyries.
  • The deal underscores a shifting financial landscape for experienced talent within the WNBA.
Tiffany Hayes Signs Record Deal with Golden State ValkyriesThe Scale Report
Illustration based on @frontofficesports on Instagram

Tiffany Hayes has inked a one-year deal worth 600,000 dollars with the Golden State Valkyries, marking the most lucrative single-season contract of her tenure in the league. The veteran guard moves to the expansion franchise after a pivotal stint with the Las Vegas Aces.

Reunion in the Bay Area

This transition reunites the veteran with Natalie Nakase, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Aces and now leads the Valkyries. The Scale Report notes that Hayes remains a high-impact contributor despite briefly stepping away from professional basketball in 2023. Her return to the court in 2024 proved successful, as she earned the Sixth Player of the Year award while playing for the Aces.

The Financial Implications

The deal underscores a shifting financial landscape for experienced talent within the WNBA. By securing a contract at this valuation, Hayes signals that established players who demonstrate versatility and late-career consistency can command significant capital, particularly as new organizations look to anchor their rosters with reliable veterans. This development is notable for fans monitoring how expansion teams plan to compete immediately against the league's existing powers.

Tiffany HayesGolden State ValkyriesLas Vegas AcesNatalie NakaseWNBA

Reporting based on coverage from @frontofficesports on Instagram.

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