The Los Angeles Sparks made a notable roster move just before their season opener against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, signing guard Kate Martin to a developmental contract as head coach Lynne Roberts sees a bright future for the former Iowa star.
Martin began her WNBA career with the Aces in 2024, but found limited opportunities as a rookie before landing with the Golden State Valkyries in last year’s expansion draft. It was there that she broke out, averaging 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game while helping the Valkyries reach the playoffs.
The 25-year-old was expected to take another step forward this season, but suffered a setback early after sustaining a Grade 2 right quad strain in late April before eventually being released by Golden State last week.
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However, it didn’t take Martin long to find a new home, with Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts speaking highly of the former Iowa standout.
“That’s a great get for us. Thrilled how that worked out,” Roberts said of Martin. “I think it’s a great add. I think this gives her a chance in the developmental spot to just settle and pour into player development. Her work ethic is unbelievable.”
Roberts went on to reveal that she attended several of Martin’s Unrivaled games last year and was especially impressed with her leadership qualities, even seeing coaching potential in her future.
“Her presence and leadership, you know, that’s a future coach in making,” Roberts added. “I was so impressed with her knowleged of the game, understanding people and all the things, and obviously basketabll wise, she can shoot it and it’s no secret I love shooters.”
#LASparks HC Lynn Roberts on signing Kate Martin and having a player of her caliber working to maintain a roster spot this season #WNBA pic.twitter.com/KWLc6oq66p
— Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213) May 10, 2026
That’s high praise from Roberts, and part of the reason Martin remains highly respected around the league. As a captain at Iowa, she helped lead the Hawkeyes to back-to-back NCAA championship game appearances in 2023 and 2024, and is now excited about joining Roberts and the Sparks organization.
“They wanted me here, and I had really good talks with Coach [Lynne] Roberts,” Martin said. “I felt confident in my decision because of the way they approached me and thought I would fit well into this system.”
Martin termed the Valkyries’ decision to waive her as “brutal” and fought back tears while speaking about it publicly for the first time on Sunday. But Roberts suggested Martin is fully focused on making the roster and becoming a valuable rotational contributor in what could be a significant season for Los Angeles following an aggressive, win-now offseason.
Developmental contracts are new to the WNBA as part of the CBA negotiated during the offseason. Players on those deals can appear in up to 12 games throughout the season. The structure is similar to the NBA’s two-way contracts, with players earning $6,136 per game and receiving a $750 weekly stipend when inactive.
Related: Valkyries Coach Makes Personal Admission After Cutting Kate Martin