Kate Martin Signs With Sparks, Makes Franchise History
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The Los Angeles Sparks signed Kate Martin, making her the first Sparks player ever to join the roster from the Player Development pool. The post Kate Martin Signs With Sparks, Makes Franchise History appeared first on LA Sports Report.
The Los Angeles Sparks signed guard Kate Martin to a standard contract, making her the first player in franchise history to move from the Player Development Pool to the active roster.
Kate Martin has signed a standard contract with the Sparks ✨
She becomes the first player in franchise history to move from the Player Development Pool to the active roster. pic.twitter.com/sewXI7Suka
, Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 6, 2026
Martin joined the Sparks on a Player Development contract during the offseason, but has clearly made enough of an impact to join the team on a full-time basis. To make room on their roster, the Sparks waived Ta’Niya Latson.
“Kate has made a meaningful impact on our group both on and off the court,” said Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley. ” 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 6-foot guard has played in 10 of the Sparks’ games this season, posting 2.6 points per game on extremely limited minutes. She last played for the Sparks on June 17, but had her best performance of the season in May. She played 18 minutes against the Toronto Tempo and logged 11 points with a steal while shooting 4-of-7.
The Las Vegas Aces selected Martin with the sixth pick in the second round of the 2024 WNBA draft, and she played 34 games that season. She only averaged 11.5 minutes on the floor per night that season, averaging 2.6 points per game with 1.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists.
Ahead of the 2025 season, the Golden State Valkyries selected her in the expansion draft, and she saw some more time on the floor with her new team. On 16.4 minutes per game, Martin averaged 6.4 points with 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists.
Jun 15, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kate Martin (21) thanks the crowd for her welcome before the game against the Golden State Valkyries in a Commissioner’s Cup game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Kupbens-Imagn Images
Where Does Kate Martin Fit for the Sparks?
With All-Star guard Kelsey Plum’s injury, the Sparks are struggling to find a player to fill in for her. Latson had been playing limited minutes at point guard despite naturally being a shooting guard, so Martin will likely fill into the same role.
The Sparks drafted Latson with the fifth pick in the second round of this year’s draft, and she played in 10 games before they waived her. She only played five minutes per game, averaging 1.8 points and a rebound during her tenure.
The post Kate Martin Signs With Sparks, Makes Franchise History appeared first on LA Sports Report.