Basketball player Layshia Clarendon, a member of the Valkyries, comes back to WNBA amidst her move to the Golden State's broadcasting crew.
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Layshia Clarendon, the dynamic force that graced the WNBA court for over a decade, is making a powerful comeback, this time as an integral part of the Golden State Valkyries' broadcast team. The Valkyries proudly announced Clarendon as a studio analyst for their groundbreaking inaugural 2025 season, marking a fresh chapter in their career.
Bidding goodbye to professional basketball in September 2024 after an impressive 11-year journey, Clarendon leaves behind an indelible mark in the league, having played for multiple teams, such as the Indiana Fever, Atlanta Dream, and Los Angeles Sparks. Known for their leadership, advocacy, and sharp court vision, they averaged an impressive 7.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Their All-Star season in 2017 was a testament to their impact on the league, demonstrating their ability to lead teams and influence games with poise and precision.
The Valkyries' announcement of Clarendon's role was part of a larger unveiling of their in-arena entertainment team for the 2025 season. Joining them will be Ari Waller as the In-Arena Host, Jamie Coffee as the Public Address Announcer, and resident DJs DJSHELLHEART and DJ LadyRyan. Both DJs, well-known in the Bay Area music scene, will bring high-energy mixes to amplify the game-day experience.
The Valkyries' broadcast booth sets the stage for an electrifying inaugural season. Clarendon's deep understanding of the game, combined with a unique perspective as a former player, promises to make the season even more engrossing for WNBA fans. Their move to the broadcast booth represents a broader trend of former players shaping the media landscape of women’s basketball, thereby enriching the quality and depth of WNBA broadcasts.
In addition to the broadcast and entertainment team, the Valkyries introduced "The Flock," a high-energy hype team, and "Violet Vibes," a multi-generational dance crew, to elevate the live experience. Both groups reflect the Valkyries' commitment to creating an engaging and inclusive game-day atmosphere.
Clarendon expressed their excitement for the new role on their Instagram, sharing that they received the official news on their birthday. "LETS GOOOOO!!!!!! Got official word on Friday I will be a studio analyst with the Valkyries! Found out on my birthday so that was super cute too! Taurus gang," they wrote. The past seven months have been a whirlwind of retirement and transformation, and Clarendon expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue their connection with the sport.
The WNBA stands to gain from Clarendon's expertise, storytelling, and undying passion for the sport. Their presence in the broadcast booth is set to bring insight, heart, and strategic thinking to Valkyries fans, creating an unforgettable viewing experience for the WNBA's ever-growing enthusiast base.
- As a former WNBA guard, Layshia Clarendon will enter the Golden State Valkyries' broadcast booth in the 2025 season, taking up the role of studio analyst.
- Averaging 7.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game during their 11-year professional basketball career, Layshia Clarendon left the court in September 2024 to focus on finance, business, and sports-analysis opportunities.
- In addition to their new broadcast role, Layshia Clarendon's expertise is expected to enrich the quality and depth of WNBA broadcasts, following a broader trend of former players shaping the media landscape of women’s basketball.
- Beyond the broadcast team, the Golden State Valkyries also announced the creation of "The Flock," a high-energy hype team, and "Violet Vibes," a multi-generational dance crew, to elevate the live basketball experience during their inaugural season.
- With the transformation from the court to the booth, Layshia Clarendon expressed excitement for their new career, stating on Instagram that they received the official news on their birthday.
- The WNBA is expected to gain from Layshia Clarendon's presence in the broadcast booth, with their expertise, storytelling, and passion for the sport creating an unforgettable viewing experience for a growing enthusiast base.
