WNBA fan favorite Kate Martin lands with Sparks days after being cut by Valkyries

It didn't take guard Kate Martin long to find a new WNBA team. Just days after she was waived by the Golden State Valkyries , Martin has signed a player development contract with the Los Angeles Sparks . The team announced the move in a news release issued on Sunday, May 10.

"Kate is a gifted shooter, whose grittiness and winning history mesh well with Sparks basketball," Sparks GM Raegan Pebley said in a statement . "She’s confident in her shot, plays tenacious defense and is an unselfish, high-energy teammate. We’re eager to watch Kate develop within our system.

" A fan favorite, Martin was somewhat surprisingly cut as the Valkyries finalized their roster ahead of the start of the 2026 WNBA season. The team had selected Martin as one of the first players taken in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft. However, Martin's first season with the team was inconsistent production-wise, and when preseason rolled around, she was battling a right quad strain.

Martin, a college teammate of Caitlin Clark's at Iowa, averaged 6. 2 points per game off the bench for the Valkyries in 2025. WNBA teams have two developmental spots available on their rosters for players who can practice, receive benefits and can be activated for up to 12 games.