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Valkyries Waive Kate Martin, Replace Pregnant Iliana Rupert

5/8/2026

40 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Valkyries Waive Martin

The Golden State Valkyries waived guard Kate Martin on Thursday, May 7, 2026 to set a 12-player roster.
The team announced center Iliana Rupert is pregnant and filed a replacement contract removing her salary from the cap.
Rupert’s absence leaves the frontcourt with center Kiah Stokes and Laeticia Amihere.
Rupert posted 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 44.2% from three in 21 games.
Martin’s No. 20 jersey ranked third in league sales.

Summary

Fever Cuts Six

GM Ohemaa Nyanin said the Flau’jae Johnson trade preserved cap flexibility under the 2026 CBA.
Fans flooded X with criticism, calling the waiver unserious and demanding an investigation.
The franchise cut six players: Marta Suárez, Ashlon Jackson, Mariella Fasoula, Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Miela Sowah, and Cate Reese.
The 2026 CBA permits signing up to two developmental players for up to 12 games, a path the Fever could take for Martin.

Summary

Martin Drafted

Kate Martin was selected in the 2024 WNBA draft after becoming the first Iowa Hawkeyes women's player to exceed 900 points, 400 assists, 120 steals and 60 blocks.
In her senior season she averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists and shot 50.7% from the field and 37% from three-point range.
Coaches highlighted her defensive versatility, noting she guarded multiple positions and helped Iowa reach back-to-back NCAA championship games.

History

Historical Context

The WNBPA’s first collective bargaining agreement, ratified on 30 April 1999, set a $30,000 minimum salary, health benefits and paid maternity leave—the first CBA in professional women’s sports. Negotiated by commissioner Donna Orender and star Lisa Leslie, it imposed a $1.3 million team cap, a constraint echoed in the 2026 CBA’s $7 million cap and today’s roster moves.

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Valkyries Waive Martin

The Golden State Valkyries waived guard Kate Martin on Thursday, May 7, 2026 to set a 12-player roster.
The team announced center Iliana Rupert is pregnant and filed a replacement contract removing her salary from the cap.
Rupert’s absence leaves the frontcourt with center Kiah Stokes and Laeticia Amihere.
Rupert posted 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 44.2% from three in 21 games.
Martin’s No. 20 jersey ranked third in league sales.

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