Los Angeles Sparks Sign Kate Martin

Just days after being waived by the Golden State Valkyries, Kate Martin has been signed to a Developmental Contract by the Los Angeles Sparks.

Martin's Emotional Journey

Martin's journey throughout her WNBA career has never been easy, but certainly not as emotionally challenging as it is now. In her rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces, Martin averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. Although her stats weren't perfect, Martin became one of the league's favorite rookies for not only her character, but hard work on and off the court. In the offseason following the 2024 season, Martin was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the Expansion Draft. Finding her groove and carving out a crucial role for Golden State, Martin improved to 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in the 2025 season. Coming into the 2026 Preseason, Martin was playing well and earned commendable playing time for the Valkyries. That said, after straining her quad, Martin's future became uncertain. Following Martin's injury that would sideline her for a couple weeks, the Valkyries waived her on May 7, 2026. Prior to the Sparks' Regular Season Opener against the Aces, when asked about the process of getting waived Martin told media and reporters, "It was not easy at all." Speaking of an emotional and sensitive subject, she continued explaining that it was a business decision and that it happens all the time in professional sports, but nonetheless a difficult decision for Martin and her career.

A New Opportunity

Despite beginning to carve an important role into the Valkyries' rotation, the fan favorite guard, Kate Martin was recently waived by Golden State. That said, claimed off of waivers and signed to a Developmental Contract yesterday by the Los Angeles Sparks, Martin will look to find her home across the Bay. Although a Developmental Contract is not what Martin is used to as she was under her Rookie Contract in her first two seasons as a pro, it will allow her to learn from the best in the league while also given the opportunity to earn playing time. This contract is also perfect for Martin as she enters her third season, making it her last chance to be under this particular style of contract as it only applies to players yet to play their fourth year in the WNBA. Players under a Developmental Contract may appear in 12 games, making it a tight budget for coaches to appropriately plan and distribute playing time. Developmental players even have the chance to earn a Standard Roster Contract at any point in the season. Can Martin find enough success to eventually earn a spot on the roster, or could she remain in the developmental pool for the rest of the season?

What Does Martin Provide for LA?

Looking to make her mark in a new place, Martin has numerous ways she can make an impact for the Sparks. A former teammate of one of the best point guards in the league, Kelsey Plum, Martin is already familiar with a huge piece in the Sparks' playing style. In her rookie season on the Las Vegas Aces, Martin was able to learn from Plum in the two's time in Vegas. Not only that, but the chemistry that Martin and Plum were able to create in such a short time in Vegas was evident and something they can likely stem off of while Martin is signed by the Sparks. Even after the Sparks' first game of the season, it was clear that they are in desperate need of another guard to facilitate the ball as well as get buckets when the team needs it most. This fits the description of Kate Martin perfectly. She's a selfless player and does anything that the team needs. For these reasons, Martin would be a great piece to put around Plum in the backcourt, as well as the glue LA needs coming into this season.

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