Kate Martin signs player development contract with Los Angeles Sparks following release by Golden State Valkyries
The move sees Martin join a crowded guard rotation in Los Angeles as the Golden State Valkyries prioritise their existing core ahead of the upcoming campaign.
WNBA guard Kate Martin has signed a player development contract with the Los Angeles Sparks, securing a new roster spot three days after her release by the Golden State Valkyries. The transaction marks a significant shift for the third-year guard, who originally entered the league following her selection by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 before being acquired by Golden State in the expansion draft.
Martin's departure from the Valkyries occurred shortly after the franchise announced its official 13-player roster for the 2026 season. Reports indicate that the team prioritised its established guard core, which includes reigning WNBA Most Improved Player Veronica Burton, veteran Tiffany Hayes, and second-year guard Kaitlyn Chen. The roster also features versatile players Justė Jocytė and Kaila Charles, although Jocytė is currently unavailable due to overseas commitments.
Despite appearing to have just missed the final roster cut, Martin had contributed significantly during her tenure with Golden State. She appeared in 42 games for the Valkyries in 2025, averaging 6.2 points per game across limited minutes. Her role was primarily off the bench, where she provided depth to a squad that also saw her start in only four games during the regular season.
The timing of the waiver suggests intense competition for the final roster position, with the team seemingly favouring Kaitlyn Chen, who navigated a complex path to the squad after being waived prior to the 2025 regular season. Additionally, the arrival of Miela Sowah, a 25-year-old guard who joined the Valkyries on a developmental contract after years in Australia's WNBL, may have influenced the decision to move Martin.
Martin's move to Los Angeles comes as the Sparks look to bolster their bench options. The signing represents a continuation of her career trajectory, moving from the expansion-era Valkyries to an established franchise in the league. Her transition to a player development contract indicates a focus on further skill acquisition and roster integration for the upcoming season.
The Golden State Valkyries' roster construction highlights a clear strategy to maintain stability within their guard department, leaving Martin to seek opportunities elsewhere. As the league approaches the 2026 season, this roster shuffle underscores the competitive nature of the WNBA free agency and developmental markets.
