Why 2026 WNBA season is different for Veronica Burton with Golden State Valkyries originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Veronica Burton won't stop working.

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But for the first time as a new WNBA season tips off Friday night, she won't have to prove herself. In her second year with the Golden State Valkyries, Burton is finally a known commodity.

That has to be a comforting spot to be. Instead, of having to overcome all the doubters, she can finally just be herself.

Burton was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings out of Northwestern, but she rarely got large opportunities in two seasons with the Wings.

She spent the 2024 campaign with the Connecticut Sun and got just 12.7 minutes per night.

But when the Valkyries had their expansion draft, they saw something in Burton, and she paid off their belief in her.

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Burton started all 44 regular season games in 2025 and averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals.

She was actually the first player in WNBA history to increase by 5 PPG, 2 RPG and 2 APG from one season to another.

All of that combined now leaves Burton in a different place entering the 2026 season.

No longer is she the doubted. Now, she's the leader.

She always had that capability in her. From a family of athletes, Burton knew how to compete with older, stronger, better players.

Now, though, she's the hooper playing at a high level that can put a team on her back at times.

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The Valkyries will want to take a leap in their second season in the WNBA. To do it, they'll follow Burton where she leads them.

MORE: Watch out for Dominique Malonga in her second WNBA season

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