Valkyries Under Fire for Kate Martin Decision in First WNBA Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 6, 2025 11:43 PM ET

After five seasons of college basketball with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kate Martin was selected in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces.

In her rookie season, Martin earned substantial minutes with numerous injuries to the Aces, becoming a fan favorite in the process. When players started getting healthy, her minutes began to decrease. She finished the year averaging 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 34 games played.

But Martin's Las Vegas tenure ended after one season when she was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in December's expansion draft.

On Tuesday night, the Valkyries played their first-ever WNBA game, hosting the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center in the preseason opener. With the inaugural game comes their first starting lineup, but Golden State elected to bring Martin off the bench.

The Valkyries' initial starting lineup includes Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, Temi Fagbenle, Monique Billings and Tip Hayes.

Boom golden state Valkyries starting 5 vs the Los Angeles sparks ⚡️

Via: Valkyries ig pic.twitter.com/LChJQugJNV
— Golden State Valkyries Report (@valkyriesreport) May 7, 2025

Many WNBA fans were not pleased with Golden State leaving Martin out of the starting lineup, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.

"Kate Martin don’t even start ," one fan said.

"What do you mean Kate Martin ain’t starting WOW," wrote another.

"how kate the face of the franchise not starting," added a third.

"Lmfao Kate Martin still coming off the bench? Now I’m really confused," commented a fourth.

"Kate Martin not starting for the Valkyries hurts a lil bit," posted a fifth.

"all that kate martin promotion bait and valkyries don’t even put her in their starting 5? (expletive) me," added a sixth.

Following the Sparks game, Martin and the Valkyries will finish their first preseason against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. They will open the regular season on Friday, May 16, once again facing Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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