Kate Martin is one of the standout players on the inaugural roster of the Golden State Valkyries.
She was selected in the 2025 WNBA expansion draft along with 10 other players who were not protected by their respective teams. The complete list of the Valkyries’ selections, as announced by Michelle Wie West, E-40, and Baron Davis, includes:
Iliana Rupert from the Atlanta Dream
María Conde from the Chicago Sky
Veronica Burton from the Connecticut Sun
Carla Leite from the Dallas Wings
Temi Fagbenle from the Indiana Fever
Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces
Stephanie Talbot from the Los Angeles Sparks
Cecilia Zandalasini from the Minnesota Lynx
Kayla Thornton from the New York Liberty
Monique Billings from the Phoenix Mercury
Julie Vanloo from the Washington Mystics
The Valkyries did not select a player from the Seattle Storm. They also have the fifth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and sufficient cap space to sign free agents. Natalie Nakase has been named the team’s first head coach.
The WNBA expansion draft rules allowed each team to protect up to six players on their roster, excluding players with previous core player designations. The Valkyries could then choose one unprotected player from each team, in addition to one unrestricted free agent.
Here is more information on each of the selected players:
Kate Martin
Martin was selected by the Valkyries after the Aces chose not to protect her. She joins the team after showing promise early in the 2024 season but seeing limited playing time later on.
She expressed excitement for the new opportunity with the Valkyries and for building something special with the team.
Martin previously played under coach Nakase during her time with the Aces.
Iliana Rupert
Rupert, a French center, has experience in the WNBA and currently plays in the Turkish basketball league.
María Conde
Conde, a Spanish forward, has played professionally in Europe and has yet to debut in the WNBA.
Veronica Burton
Burton, a young guard, was a standout defensive player in college and has played in the WNBA for three seasons.
Carla Leite
The French guard has yet to play in the WNBA but was a high draft pick in 2024.
Temi Fagbenle
Fagbenle is a veteran player with international experience who joined the Fever last season.
Stephanie Talbot
The Australian forward looks to bounce back with the Valkyries after a challenging season with the Sparks.
Cecilia Zandalasini
The Italian forward returned to the Lynx last season after playing overseas.
Kayla Thornton
Thornton, a WNBA champion, brings experience and versatility to the Valkyries.
Monique Billings
Billings, who had a tumultuous season, joins the Valkyries as an unrestricted free agent.
Julie Vanloo
Vanloo, a seasoned international player, had a successful rookie season with the Mystics and is poised to lead the Valkyries at point guard.
