Kate Martin visibly emotional when discussing being cut: ‘It wasn’t easy’

Apr 25, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) waits for play to resume against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The Golden State Valkyries made the shocking decision to cut guard Kate Martin, a fan favorite and one of the highest-selling jerseys in the WNBA last year, ahead of the season.

Martin has since signed a developmental contract with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she plans on growing as both a player and a professional. On Sunday, a visibly emotional Martin spoke with reporters about the experience of being let go by Golden State, while apologizing for wearing her emotions on her sleeve.

“It was not easy at all. Yeah. Sorry. Um, it happened on Wednesday and like, obviously it’s a business decision,” Martin said of being cut. “That’s what professional sports is. It’s a business. And, um, you know, I just had to do what was best for me and my career.

“And, uh, sorry about that, by the way. Um, and so that was, I just felt this was the best decision for me and I’m very, very excited to be here, 1000%. And, um, yeah, I’m definitely gonna give it my all, but yeah, that process wasn’t easy. And now I feel like I can relate to a lot more people on, you know, a level that maybe I never wanted to be able to relate on, but it’s only going to help me as a leader and as a person going forward.”

A consummate professional

Martin’s first head coach in the WNBA, Las Vegas Aces leader Becky Hammon, was asked about the situation on Saturday and had nothing but great things to say about Martin.