Valkyries Waive Kate Martin as Roster Shake-Up Follows Rupert Pregnancy News

The Golden State Valkyries made one of their most notable roster decisions of the offseason on Thursday morning, waiving fan-favorite guard Kate Martin as the franchise finalized its 12-player roster ahead of the 2026 season. The move marked a significant shift for a player who had become one of the most recognizable young names on the team.

Martin’s departure comes as the Valkyries reshape their roster around new additions and shifting positional needs. Free-agent signing Gabby Williams and guaranteed contracts for Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes created increased competition in the backcourt.

Complicating matters further was Martin’s training camp injury, a Grade 2 quad strain that limited her ability to fully compete for a roster spot. That setback reduced her opportunity to make a strong final impression during a critical evaluation period.

While her release may come as a surprise to some fans, the decision reflects a broader roster balancing act that extends beyond a single position or player performance.

1. Rupert Absence Reshapes Roster Priorities

A major factor influencing Golden State’s final roster decisions was the unexpected news surrounding center Iliana Rupert. The team confirmed that Rupert is pregnant and has filed for a replacement contract, meaning she is expected to miss a significant portion of the season. Rupert’s absence immediately altered the team’s frontcourt structure, leaving a major gap at center. Her ability to stretch the floor and provide spacing had been a key part of the Valkyries’ offensive system. With Rupert sidelined, Laeticia Amihere became a far more important piece of the roster after making the team as a free-agent addition. Her versatility and athleticism are now expected to play a larger role. Kiah Stokes remains the only other natural center on the roster, further emphasizing the need to prioritize frontcourt depth over wing rotation flexibility.

2. Position Crunch Drives Final Cuts

The Valkyries’ decision to waive Martin was also shaped by a crowded backcourt rotation. With multiple established guards already under contract, roster flexibility became increasingly limited. Kaitlyn Chen’s inclusion on the final roster further influenced the decision-making process. As the only true backup point guard behind starter Veronica Burton, Chen filled a critical positional need. In contrast, Martin’s role as a wing made her more replaceable given the team’s existing depth at that position. The Valkyries already had multiple players capable of filling similar minutes. That positional imbalance made it more difficult for Martin to secure one of the final roster spots, despite her popularity and potential upside.

3. Future Options and League-Wide Interest

While a reunion between Martin and the Valkyries is technically possible, the path appears narrow. Golden State cannot use her as a replacement player for Rupert under league rules governing pregnancy-related roster exceptions. The team could potentially retain Martin on a developmental contract, but that would require her clearing waivers first. Given her talent level and appeal around the league, that scenario is considered unlikely. Even if she were to clear waivers, roster construction challenges remain. The Valkyries are expected to prioritize additional frontcourt depth for the final developmental slot, while guard Miela Sowah already occupies another developmental position. Meanwhile, Rupert’s absence creates urgency for Golden State to explore external options, including potential free-agent signings or in-season trades to address center depth. However, replacing her unique shooting and spacing ability remains a difficult task.