SAN FRANCISCO -- Las Vegas Aces guard Kate Martin and Los Angeles Sparks forward Stephanie Talbot were selected by the Golden State Valkyries, rapper E-40 announced Friday during live coverage of the expansion draft on ESPN. Ahead of the Valkyries’ inaugural season in 2025, the WNBA’s 13th organization had the opportunity to draft up to one player from each of the preexisting 12 teams.
“Steph brought experience, toughness and playmaking ability to our team, and we thank her for everything she brought to the Sparks,” Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley said. “Golden State is getting a strong leader, and we wish her the best in the Bay.”
The Las Vegas Aces released the following statement on Martin being drafted by Golden State: "The Aces organization first and foremost would like to thank Kate Martin for all of her hard work and dedication to the team this past year. We are proud of Kate and the impact she has made as a member of the Aces team. Although we are sad to see her leave, being selected by Golden State shows the value Kate possesses in this league, and we all wish her nothing but the best as she continues her career with the Valkyries. As with anyone who has been a member of this historic franchise, once an Ace, always an Ace, and Kate will always be a member of the Las Vegas Aces family.
Talbot was signed by the Sparks as a free agent in February 2023 and missed the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL. She previously spent two seasons with the Mercury, one with the Lynx and two with the Storm. In Talbot’s lone season with the Sparks, in 2024, the 6’2” forward averaged 3.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 37 games (10 starts), while shooting 39.5% from the field.
Martin was selected by the Las Vegas Aces with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, averaging 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game during her rookie season.