The Los Angeles Sparks have added guard Kate Martin to their development roster on Sunday, just three days following her release from the Golden State Valkyries.
Martin, who was teammates with Caitlin Clark during their time at Iowa, was chosen 18th overall in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces.
During her first professional season with the Aces, Martin appeared in 34 contests with two starting assignments, contributing 2.6 points per game while connecting on 35.5% of her three-point attempts across 11.5 minutes of action. The Valkyries selected her during their expansion draft, and she improved to 6.2 points per game in 42 appearances with four starts, playing 16.4 minutes per contest 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.”
During her collegiate career, Martin achieved a rare milestone by becoming the first women’s basketball player in Iowa history to record at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals and 60 blocks.
Development contracts allow WNBA franchises to maintain two additional roster positions that operate as internal training programs while staying outside salary cap restrictions. These players may be activated for as many as 12 regular season games.
