The WNBA’s final rosters are set, with brutal cuts and surprise pickups dominating the week’s headlines.
Golden State waived guard Kate Martin after dropping 2026 draft-day trade subject Marta Suarez, while the team also petitions for roster relief due to Iliana Rubert’s pregnancy.
The Valkyries roster will lean on veteran talent in pursuit of another playoff-qualifying run, with just one 2026 addition — undrafted Duke product Miela Sowah — in the lineup.
“So for year two, we understand that after a successful year one, nothing carries over, not one basket, not one award,” said Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase.
“For us our goal for this season is to win a Championship. Here at Golden State, that’s the standard, that’s the expectation. We only hand out banners and collect rings. So with that type of expectation, our goal is to win.”
With just 12 roster spots and two developmental players per team, organizations faced big decisions ahead of tonight’s tipoff — though opportunities for players to rejoin squads later after WNBA roster cuts remain on the table.
European talent like Leonie Fiebich (New York), Leila Lacan (Connecticut), Awa Fam (Seattle), and Juste Jocyte (Golden State) have all seen their WNBA contracts temporarily suspended due to overseas commitments, contributing to early-season roster uncertainty.
Some are finding second chances, as Connecticut scooped up waived Chicago guard Hailey Van Lith, while the Sky signed previously cut forward Maddy Westbeld and guard Aicha Coulibaly to development contracts.
However, former Iowa Hawkeye Kate Martin remains unsigned as the WNBA tips off its 30th season tonight.
