Trending Now - Kate Martin Joins Sparks After Emotional Valkyries Departure
WHO:
Newsweek - Flau'jae Johnson was traded by the Valkyries to the Storm during the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Sportskeeda - Kate Martin was waived by the Golden State Valkyries.
ESPN - Kate Martin signed with the Los Angeles Sparks.
ESPN - Golden State coach Natalie Nakase commented on the emotional decision to cut Martin.
WHAT:
Newsweek - Flau'jae Johnson is described as an ex-LSU star and is now at home in Seattle.
Sportskeeda - Martin was the final player cut from the Valkyries' roster ahead of the season.
ESPN - Martin averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game during her last season with the Valkyries.
ESPN - Martin is eligible to suit up for up to 12 games throughout the season in her development roster spot.
ESPN - Martin will be paid $6,136 per game and receive a $750-a-week stipend when inactive.
WHERE:
ESPN - Martin arrived at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.
WHEN:
ESPN - Martin was waived by the Golden State Valkyries on a Thursday.
ESPN - The Sparks announced they signed Martin to a development roster spot just before 8 a.m. on a Sunday.
WHY:
ESPN - Martin described her waiver as a "business decision" in professional sports.
ESPN - Nakase stated that cutting Martin was "very emotional" and involved "a lot of heartache."
HOW:
Newsweek - The trade occurred during the 2026 WNBA Draft.
ESPN - Martin chose to come to Los Angeles due to the Sparks' approach and her discussions with Coach Lynne Roberts.
ESPN - Development roster spots were introduced as part of a new collective bargaining agreement negotiated during the offseason.
(UPDATED May 11, 2026 06:13 UTC)
Flau'jae Johnson, the ex-LSU star, has been traded by the Valkyries to the Storm during the 2026 WNBA Draft. She is now settling into her new home in Seattle. This significant move took place as part of the excitement surrounding the draft event.
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(UPDATED May 11, 2026 04:17 UTC)
In a significant move, Kate Martin has signed with the Los Angeles Sparks after being waived by the Golden State Valkyries, where she was the final player cut from the roster ahead of the season. Martin averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game during her last season with the Valkyries, and she will be eligible to play in up to 12 games this season while earning $6,136 per game and a weekly stipend when inactive. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase described the decision to cut Martin as "very emotional," while Martin herself referred to the waiver as a "business decision" in professional sports.