Golden State Valkyries Waive Guard, Kate Martin Ahead of Regular Season

In a shocking turn of events, the Golden State Valkyries have waived Kate Martin the day before the WNBA regular season kicks off.

Martin's WNBA Journey

A Dream Come True in Vegas

Selected with the 18th overall pick in the Second Round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces, Kate Martin's dreams came to life as she was given an opportunity to play professionally. Martin immediately became a fan favorite not only to Las Vegas Aces fans, but WNBA fans all over the world. Entering a new role for the Aces was certainly a change for Martin as she was a go-to for the Iowa Hawkeyes alongside her best friend, Caitlin Clark. That said, her rookie season was a time of learning and adapting to the physicality and demand that the WNBA holds. Averaging just over 11 minutes per game, Martin also averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds for the Aces in her rookie season.

Golden Kate

In December of 2024, the WNBA held an expansion draft as they would welcome the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 season. Coached by former Las Vegas Aces assistant, Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries selected Kate Martin in the Expansion Draft as Nakase knew Martin's game and work ethic. Despite experiencing a major shift in roster structure as the Valkyries were only able to select unprotected players from other teams, Martin carved a valuable spot into the rotation for the Valkyries. Martin was always ready when her number was called, starting 4 games for Golden State in times of numerous injuries within the team. Putting her hard work and dedication on display, Martin's stats also improved to 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per outing. 

Although she continued to improve each day and gained so much love from Golden State during all of their sold-out games and support from all over, Martin was waived by the Valkyries this morning (May 7, 2026). Prior to being waived, Martin played 23 minutes in the Valkyries' pre-season matchup with the Seattle Storm on April 25, 2026. A team player, Martin did what was needed to be done for the Valkyries to take home a close 78-76 victory as she contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds. Martin would not appear in any more pre-season games for Golden State as she sustained a Grade 2 quad strain. Perhaps this played a role in the Valkyries waiving her when finalizing the roster?

Where Could Martin Be a Good Fit?

Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever could do wonders by signing Kate Martin. There is no doubt that the world of women's basketball would erupt if the Fever reunited former Iowa teammates, Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark. Not only that, but Martin is the hard working, selfless player that Indiana needs. Having experience playing beside star guard, Caitlin Clark in college, Martin would fit in seamlessly with Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell as she does not seek to have a perfect stat line. In her years at Iowa, Martin was nicknamed "The Glue" for the way she held the team together and completed the often-overlooked dirty work. This team-first outlook on the game is priceless and not often seen in players anymore.

Los Angeles Sparks

On a more serious note, the Los Angeles Sparks is a team that could genuinely use Martin's guard play. After waiving Julie Vanloo on May 4, the Sparks don't have any experienced point guards to play behind their star: Kelsey Plum. The Sparks currently have guards Ariel Atkins and Rae Burrell to play alongside Plum at a more shooting guard type of position, though there is no one who stands out as a point guard to lead the bench. Although Los Angeles signed veteran guard, Erica Wheeler in the off season, they are still in need of another guard who has a few years under their belt to help lead rookie guards, Ta'Niya Latson and Chance Gray. Could the Sparks scoop up Kate Martin to enhance their guard play, or will another team make a move first?

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