Veronica Burton, the WNBA’s Most Improved Player last season, re-signed with the Golden State Valkyries on a multiyear deal, the team announced Saturday.

Burton, 25, posted career highs of 11.9 points, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals while starting all 44 games for the expansion franchise last season. She received 68 of 72 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters in balloting for the award.

Entering last season, Burton had started just 20 games in three seasons.

“Veronica was the backbone of this team in our inaugural season,” Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in a statement. “She started every single game, led us in nearly every statistical category, and was the connective tissue between our locker room and our coaching staff.

“Her work ethic, leadership and voice were exactly what we needed in year one, and we cannot wait to see her continue to grow here in Golden State. Building this roster has always started with character, and Veronica is exactly the type of person we continue to build around.”

Burton also received WNBA All-Defensive Second Team honors last season. She had 50 steals and 27 blocked shots.

The Northwestern product played for two seasons in Dallas (2022-23) and competed for the Connecticut Sun in 2024 before coming to Golden State in the 2024 expansion draft.

–Field Level Media