Golden State Valkyries‘ new WNBA franchise faced its first taste of controversy even before the regular season tipped off, as star rookie Kate Martin was relegated to the bench in their preseason opener, sparking a fierce social media backlash.
Despite a dramatic third-quarter rally that nearly overturned an 83–82 deficit, the decision to sideline Martin from the starting five stole the spotlight, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the Valkyries’ lineup choices.
With the regular season looming, the team must balance on-court chemistry with the marketing push surrounding their most marketable player, whose budding fanbase is unwilling to accept a secondary role.
Kate Martin Benched, Followed by the Valkyries’ Loss to the Sparks
Under the glare of Chase Center’s sold-out crowd, anticipation buzzed for the Valkyries’ inaugural game against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 6, a moment scripted to herald their arrival in the WNBA spotlight. Yet when the starting five was announced—Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, Temi Fagbenle, Monique Billings, and Tiffany Hayes—there was a collective gasp as Kate Martin’s name was nowhere to be found.
Instead, Martin watched from the bench as the Sparks jumped out to an early lead, leaving many to wonder if the franchise had gambled away its greatest attraction.
The contest itself proved to be a rollercoaster. Sparks stormed out with a 14-point halftime advantage, leading 39–25, before the Valkyries unleashed a record-setting 32-point third quarter—propelled by 20 points from Laeticia Amihere and eight rebounds from Kyara Linskens—to claw back within one at 83–82.
After missing their first 13 attempts from deep, Golden State found its rhythm, finishing 41.5% from the field despite going just 6-for-28 from three-point range. Yet despite closing to 83–82, the final shot rimmed out, sealing a narrow defeat.
Social Media Backlash Over Benching Martin
Chosen 18th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft after a stellar five-year career at the University of Iowa, Martin quickly became a fan favorite in Las Vegas, averaging 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists across 34 appearances despite a limited run as a rookie.
Left unprotected in December’s expansion draft, she was an obvious target for the Valkyries, who valued her sharpshooting (51.4% true shooting efficiency in college) and her marketability—Martin led rookie jersey sales in her draft class.
As the final horn sounded, the talk of the night was not the near-miraculous rally but the conspicuous absence of Martin from the opening tip. Fans flooded X with a mixture of outrage and bewilderment. “Kate Martin not starting for the Valkyries hurts a lil bit,” one passionate supporter lamented, articulating a sentiment echoed by thousands.
Another fan wrote, “Not the Valks using Kate for promo and not starting her…. wtf bro,” while a third added, “All that Kate Martin promotion bait and Valkyries don’t even put her in their starting 5? (expletive) me”.
The confusion and backlash continued as fans openly expressed their disappointment. “Unless she’s dealing with some kinda injury or something it’s weird that Kate Martin isn’t starting for the Valkyries right now. They’ve had her front and center as if she’s gonna be a starter/star player,” one fan wrote.
Another user expressed their disbelief and said, “Kate Martin is not a franchise player. I don’t know what the valkyries are doing”.
What’s Next for Valkyries and Martin?
Martin and her teammates will have an opportunity to settle debates when the Valkyries conclude preseason play against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, May 11.
The regular season opener arrives just days later on May 16, again against the Sparks at Chase Center, where Martin’s role—starter or sparkplug from the bench—will be a storyline as compelling as any on the court.
With all eyes fixed on the Bay, Golden State Valkyries must decide whether to prioritize experience or embrace the momentum her fans demand, lest they risk alienating the very audience they aim to captivate.