In the United States, a significant roster change occurred just before the start of the 2026 WNBA season as the Golden State Valkyries announced the waiving of Kate Martin, a beloved player who had rapidly gained a fan following after joining from the Las Vegas Aces. Martin’s journey began when she was drafted by the Aces in the second round of the 2024 draft. In her time with the Aces, she established herself as a fan favorite, particularly due to her strong work ethic and ability to connect with fans, including younger audiences inspired by her play and personality. After her transfer to the Valkyries in the expansion draft, she played a crucial role in the team’s inaugural success, contributing significantly to their historic postseason appearance. However, the final roster decisions leading up to the 2026 season opener were affected by several factors, including the arrival of new players, positional battles, and reports of an injury Martin had been dealing with. Coach Natalie Nakase described the situation as emotional, expressing heartache over the decision to waive Martin, indicating her status as part of the Valkyries' family. The fan reaction was overwhelmingly negative, showcasing Martin’s impact and popularity within the community, and raising questions about the team's direction amidst growing frustrations over roster decisions. As of now, no team has signed Martin, leaving her future in the league uncertain.