The Golden State Valkyries have officially set their 2026 opening-night roster, and it came with some major surprises. Fan favorite guard Kate Martin has been waived after missing most of training camp with a Grade 2 quad strain. Meanwhile, the team has requested a replacement contract from the WNBA to cover for center Iliana Rupert, who is expecting a baby.

Rupert's contract is fully guaranteed with trade protection, so the Valkyries are working to gain salary cap flexibility while keeping her on the payroll. The league is currently reviewing that request.

That leaves veteran Kiah Stokes as the team's only true center—a big responsibility for the 10-year pro. But the Valkyries have options. Once the replacement contract is approved, they could add another center, or even bring back Martin, who appeared in 42 games for Golden State last season. Teams have 48 hours to claim her off waivers.

These moves also opened the door for Kaitlyn Chen, who earned a roster spot in her second year with the team. She'll back up starting point guard Veronica Burton, giving the Valkyries some solid depth at the position.

The backcourt is stacked with talent. Big free-agent signing Gabby Williams joins veteran Tiffany Hayes, 2025 first-round pick Justė Jocytė, and Kaila Charles. Guard Miela Sowah occupies one of the two developmental roster spots, leaving one still open.

Up front, the Valkyries have returning All-Star Kayla Thornton, Janelle Salaün, Cecilia Zandalasini, Laeticia Amihere, and Stokes at center. Amihere could also slide into the backup center role when needed, giving the team some versatility in the paint.

It's a roster built for both immediate impact and long-term growth—exactly what you'd expect from a team looking to make noise in the WNBA this season.