Valkyries HC Describes 'Heartache' of Waiving Kate Martin
Summary
The Golden State Valkyries waived guard Kate Martin, a popular player, after previously trading away another pick from the WNBA draft. The team's coach said it was a hard decision made to build the best team possible. The Valkyries are a new WNBA team that made the playoffs in their first season.Key Facts
- The Golden State Valkyries are the most valuable franchise in the WNBA, worth around $850 million to $1 billion.
- They drafted Flau'jae Johnson eighth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft but quickly traded her to Seattle for Marta Suarez, whom they then waived.
- Kate Martin, a fan favorite who played at Iowa and was originally drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, was waived by the Valkyries.
- Coach Natalie Nakase said waiving Martin was an emotional and difficult decision, but they are focused on building the best team.
- Martin has not yet signed with another WNBA team.
- The Valkyries finished with a 23-21 record and were the first WNBA expansion team to make the playoffs in their first year.
- Their 2026 season opener was against Seattle.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
