Image Credit: © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kayla Thornton Injury Update: Valkyries Star Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery, Set to Miss Remainder of 2025 Season

Thornton is one of the two players who appeared in all 22 games for the Valkyries.

Image Credit: © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton underwent a successful knee surgery on her right knee. The announcement was made by the Valkyries on their social media, where they stated that the 32-year-old sustained the injury in a practice session and underwent the surgical procedure on Friday in San Francisco. However, along with it, the Valkyries also dropped a heartbreaking update, revealing that she will be out of action for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season.

Needless to say, Thornton’s injury comes as a big blow for the Valkyries, who have had a terrific start to their inaugural season. The Valkyries are currently seated in the ninth spot of the standings with a 10-12 win-loss tally. Thornton is currently leading the Valkyries in scoring with an average of 14.0 points, rebounding at 7.0 rebounds, and steals at 1.2 steals per game. She was named an All-Star for the first time in her career this season. In addition, she is also one of the two players in the squad to have played 22 games this season.

Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton, who suffered an injury to her right knee earlier this week in practice, underwent a successful surgery earlier today in San Francisco.

Thornton will be out for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season and will begin the rehabilitation… pic.twitter.com/DTOvTNCml6
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) July 25, 2025

What Next for Kalyla Thornton and Golden State Valkyries?

According to a Valkyries spokesperson, Thornton’s surgery was successful, and she would begin her rehabilitation soon. While she will be out for the remaining 2025 season, Golden State didn’t confirm her return in next season. Thornton began her WNBA career with Washington as an undrafted free agent in 2015. So far, she has played 296 games while averaging 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

With her being sidelined, players such as Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton will be expected to step into larger offensive roles as the Valkyries aim to secure a playoff berth in their inaugural season. However, considering the kind of experience and skills Thornton brought to the court, it won’t be easy for the team to continue approaching their playoff aspirations seamlessly. The team will be required to make due adjustments to fill the void left by Thornton’s absence.

Golden State Valkyries

Kayla Thornton

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.