NFL
This article was edited and updated on May 8, 2026.
May 8 – The Golden State Valkyries announced their official roster on Thursday morning. One major name was missing: Kate Martin. They are also working on an emergency replacement contract for Iliana Rupert, who announced she is pregnant (yay!)
We expected there to be a lot of moving parts for Golden State. We knew the final roster would disappoint people one way or another. There were limited spots, especially with the Valkyries adding Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes. Three players fighting for two spots and a possible developmental spot: Martin, Kaitlyn Chen, and Laeticia Amihere.
With Rupert’s announcement, it makes sense that Amihere earned a spot. Golden State needed someone to replace her at center. Chen earned the backup point guard spot after her offseason work. From what we’ve seen in training camp, she has earned the trust of Natalie Nakase.
We expect Rupert to miss the entire season. However, thanks to the new CBA, she will remain on the roster and receive her full salary. *League source confirms I was correct: there is no Dearica Hamby Rule that wipes out Rupert’s salary from the cap. – Iliana Rupert will be paid her full salary. – Her salary DOES count towards the salary cap. (Eric Apricot via BlueSky)*
Losing Rupert is a major blow for the Valkyries, and fans flooded social media with their panic. But on the other hand, super excited for Rupert and her partner!
So what next?
The Valkyries need to fill the gap left by Rupert with either a trade or a free-agent signing. They waived their two other centers, Marta Suárez and Mariella Fasoula. For the next few games, we will keep an eye on how Stokes and Amihere take over at center.
According to the Valkyrie Nation, “GSV could offer a replacement contract to Suarez or Fasoula 14 days after the signing of the development spot contract (so in about 13 days); PHX or TOR would have the right to match with a standard contract, but they would probably have to waive someone off the 12-player roster, and that could make it hard to match.” (Eric Apricot)
It has been a whirlwind for the Valkyries the last few weeks, from the draft confusion to 24 hours until the season opener. If there is one thing we can guarantee, it is that Nakase will figure out a way to make the necessary adjustments and get this new team ready for the season.
