Kate Martin didn’t just land in the Bay, she arrived at the heart of Golden State’s newest basketball experiment. A gritty guard with a championship pedigree, she’s become a key piece for a franchise eager to build an identity from day one.
Her spot on the roster speaks to more than potential. Her deal reflects the balance between development and impact, giving the franchise flexibility as they craft a team meant to grow together in the WNBA’s newest market.
This chapter is just beginning, and her contract sets the tone. A young player with a multi‑year commitment, she represents the Valkyries’ bet on growth — for herself, for the team, and for a city ready to embrace something new.
What is Kate Martin’s salary with the Golden State Valkyries?
Kate Martin earns $68,595 in the 2025 season under her rookie-scale contract — a slight bump from the $67,249 she received in 2024, according to Spotrac. This amount represents about 4.6% of the Valkyries’ salary cap, a figure that shows how rookie contracts fit into Golden State’s long-term financial strategy.
Kate Martin #20 of the Golden State Valkyries takes the ball in the first half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on May 27, 2025. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)
Although modest by professional sports standards, her pay reflects the WNBA’s current salary structure, where second-round rookie deals fall between $66K and $75K, giving players like her room to prove their value before negotiating bigger contracts
Kate Martin’s contract: How long does the deal last?
Kate Martin is under a four-year, $297,045 rookie-scale contract, initially signed with the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 after being selected 18th overall. The Golden State Valkyries inherit that deal after selecting her in the 2024 expansion draft, which keeps her in San Francisco through the 2027 season.
Her contract includes progressive raises — $75,456 in 2026 and $85,745 in 2027 — with the last year structured as a team option, giving the team control while allowing her to position herself for a more lucrative second contract if her development continues on track.
