The Los Angeles Sparks have signed Kate Martin to a standard contract after the franchise signed her as one of the development players. A team is allowed to keep two developmental slots, but such players can play just 12 games in a season. Martin, who has already played 10 games, has provided some crucial minutes off the bench, and fans loved that the franchise has shown confidence in her.
Martin became part of the Sparks organization on May 10 after she was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft. This season, she has averaged 2.6 points in 7.7 minutes. However, she is one of the players whose contributions don’t show up on the stats sheet.
The Sparks’ channel on X shared the update:
“Sparks sign Kate Martin to a standard contract.”
Fans were delighted with the news and hailed the Sparks’ front office for getting a high-intensity, high-IQ young player to the squad, as one wrote:
“Smart move for the LA Sparks. Kate is a winner!!!!”
Another user expressed happiness with the decision:
“So happy for Kate! No one works harder on and off the court than our former Hawkeye, Kate Martin! She always gives 110 percent and more! I’m SO proud of her!”
One fan believed that it was well deserved:
“Finally!!!!!! Kate Money Martin so well deserved”
Another user was pleased:
“Congrats Kate, now you can finally dunk the contract and the ball.”
This fan simply wrote:
“Proud of you Kate “
Martin was one of the core players for the Iowa Hawkeyes in college, where she started alongside Caitlin Clark. She provided elite defense, high basketball IQ, and leadership to the team. The 2-24 WNBA draft’s 18th overall pick’s contribution on the floor couldn’t be defined by numbers.
Sparks’ management hails Kate Martin’s growth
Kate Martin showed flashes of what she could bring to a team when the Sparks faced the Toronto Tempo on May 17. She scored 11 points, shooting 3-6 from deep, in 18 minutes off the bench. The franchise also recognized her potential, as Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley said in the official statement:
“Kate has made a meaningful impact on our group both on and off the court. She brings versatility on both ends of the floor, competes at a high level and consistently puts the team first. We’re excited to see her continue to grow.”
The Sparks are in a difficult spot right now with Kelsey Plum out of the rotation due to a lower left leg’s soft tissue injury. She has led the team in points (23.9) and assists ( 6.4) this season and does the majority of the heavy lifting for the team. Kate Martin has also faced knee issues she suffered last month, and her playing time has been inconsistent because of that.
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