Sparks sign Kate Martin to player development contract

Guard Kate Martin signed a development contract with the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, three days after she was waived by the Golden State Valkyries.

Martin, who played alongside Caitlin Clark at Iowa, was the 18th overall pick (second round) by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Martin played 34 games (two starts) with the Aces as a rookie and averaged 2.6 points while shooting 35.5% from 3-point range over 11.5 minutes per contest. She was selected by the Valkyries in the expansion draft and averaged 6.2 points in 42 games (four starts) over 16.4 minutes last season.

"Kate is a gifted shooter, whose grittiness and winning history mesh well with Sparks basketball," said Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley. "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."

Martin became the first Iowa women's basketball player to amass at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals and 60 blocks in her career.

WNBA teams can carry two developmental roster spots, creating in-house training pipelines outside the salary cap. Players can be activated for up to a dozen games during the regular season.

--Field Level Media