Former Iowa Star Kate Martin Released by Golden State Valkyries

The WNBA regular season tips off on Friday, and a number of teams made some last-minute roster decisions this week. Unfortunately, one of the cuts was former Iowa Hawkeye Kate Martin.

Kate Martin Cut from WNBA Team

The Des Moines Register reports that the Golden State Valkyries have parted ways with former Hawkeye Kate Martin. The Iowa star was cut on Thursday, a day before Golden State begins the regular season with a game against Seattle. Martin was drafted in 2024 by the Las Vegas Aces. The Register reports that she was then selected in the 2025 expansion draft by the Golden State Valkyries. Martin averaged 6 points and 2 rebounds for the Valkyrie in 2025.

Martin Was Coming Back From an Injury

The Register reports that Martin was diagnosed with a Grade II right quad strain back on April 28th. She suffered the injury during a Golden State practice. During a news conference on May 5th, Martin stated that her recovery was progressing well. She noted that she had missed the last week of practice due to the injury.

Could We See a Kate Martin and Caitlin Clark Reunion?

So what is next for Kate Martin? The Register reports that she might not be done in Golden State just yet. The Valkyrie could bring her back on a developmental deal. But so could the Indiana Fever. The Fever reportedly has one open developmental roster spot left. Could the long-time Hawkeye teammates have one more run together? If Martin goes unsigned by Golden State, expect her former Iowa teammate to lobby for just that!