Valkyries waive Kate Martin, search for replacement for Iliana Rupert
The Golden State Valkyries set their 2026 roster by cutting fan favorite Kate Martin and asking the WNBA to let them add a replacement contract to cover for Iliana Rupert's pregnancy.
Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) drives the ball away from defender Seattle Storm's Lexie Brown (8) in the first quarter during a preseason game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The Valkyries are entering their second WNBA season. (Yalonda M.
James/S. F. Chronicle) SEATTLE – The Golden State Valkyries ' initial 12-player roster came with a handful of surprises ahead of their season-opening tipoff against the Seattle Storm on Friday night.
Guard Kate Martin , injured with a Grade 2 quad strain for a majority of training camp, was waived. Additionally, center Iliana Rupert is pregnant, which means the Valkyries filed for a replacement contract to fill Rupert's spot. Rupert has full trade protection and is guaranteed the entirety of her contract, with the Valkyries getting salary cap flexibility for that roster spot in return.
The request is awaiting league approval. The pregnancy announcement leaves 10-year veteran Kiah Stokes as the only center on the roster. The Valkyries could add another center once the league approves the replacement contract, or bring back Martin, who played 42 games for Golden State last year.