Golden State Valkyries Release Fan Favorite Kate Martin Before 2026 Season
Valkyries cut fan favorite Kate Martin as final preseason roster move
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The Golden State Valkyries have made a surprising roster decision by cutting fan favorite Kate Martin ahead of the 2026 WNBA season. Despite her popularity and solid performance last season, the team opted for other players, leaving Martin available for other teams to claim.
- 01Kate Martin, a fan favorite and reliable player, was cut from the Valkyries' roster.
- 02Martin had a strong previous season, averaging 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
- 03The Valkyries added All-Star Gabby Williams, impacting Martin's position on the team.
- 04Center Iliana Rupert's pregnancy influenced roster decisions for the upcoming season.
- 05Martin is now on waivers and may be claimed by any of the other 14 WNBA teams.
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In a surprising move, the Golden State Valkyries have cut Kate Martin, a fan favorite and key player, as they finalize their roster for the 2026 WNBA season. Martin, who was selected in the 2024 expansion draft from Las Vegas, had a solid previous season, averaging 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game while appearing in nearly every game. Her popularity soared during her college career at the University of Iowa, where she helped lead the Hawkeyes to back-to-back Final Four appearances in 2023 and 2024 alongside Caitlin Clark. Despite her impressive performance in the preseason and being a top seller in merchandise, the Valkyries opted to keep forward Laeticia Amihere instead, likely influenced by the unexpected absence of center Iliana Rupert due to pregnancy. The team also added All-Star wing Gabby Williams, which further complicated Martin's chances of making the final roster. As Martin now hits waivers, she could be claimed by any of the other 14 WNBA teams before the Valkyries' season opener against the Seattle Storm on Friday at 7 p.m.
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The decision to cut Martin may affect fan engagement and attendance, as she was a popular player among the Valkyries' supporters.
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