Iliana Rupert pregnant, Kate Martin waived and Valkyries’ last-minute roster crunch
The Mercury News • • sports
Key Points:
- The Golden State Valkyries waived fan favorite guard Kate Martin and filed for a replacement contract for starting center Iliana Rupert due to her pregnancy, signaling Rupert is expected to miss significant time or the entire season.
- Martin, recovering from a Grade 2 quad strain and popular with fans and teammates, cannot be the replacement player under the new collective bargaining agreement and would need to clear waivers before possibly returning on a developmental contract with a significant pay cut.
- Laeticia Amihere has been added to the opening night roster to provide frontcourt depth behind veteran center Kiah Stokes, while Rupert retains her roster spot and full salary but will not count against the salary cap.
- The Valkyries' general manager emphasized the organization's intent to avoid a pattern of releasing and re-signing players, indicating careful use of developmental contracts.
- Additionally, 2025 first-round pick Justė Jocytė's contract was temporarily suspended as she finishes the postseason in Spain, with the team set to open the season with a 13-player roster.
