Full Breakdown
Kate Martin Joins Los Angeles Sparks on Development Contract After Valkyries Waiver
5/11/2026, 10:47:28 PM
Core Event: Waiver and New Signing
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Sparks announced the addition of guard Kate Martin to a development roster spot. The signing followed her release by the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday (some reports say Wednesday) during the final roster cuts before the 2026 season. The move was confirmed ahead of the Sparks’ season opener against the Las Vegas Aces.
Background & Context
Martin, a 2024 second-round draft pick (18th overall) selected by the Las Vegas Aces, spent her rookie year in Las Vegas before being taken by the Valkyries in the December 2024 expansion draft. The 2026 collective bargaining agreement created two development roster spots per team, allowing players with up to three years of service to practice, travel, and be activated for up to 12 games without counting against the salary cap.
Timeline
- April 2024: Drafted 18th overall by the Las Vegas Aces.
- December 2024: Selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft.
- Early 2026: Waived by the Valkyries (Wednesday/Thursday).
- Sunday, 2026: Signed by the Los Angeles Sparks to a development contract.
Data & Statistics
In 2025 Martin averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game over 42 appearances. She entered the preseason with a grade-2 right quad strain. The Sparks’ development contract provides $6,136 per active game and a $750 weekly stipend when inactive.
Official Statements & Responses
Sparks GM Raegan Pebley called Martin a “gifted shooter” with tenacious defense and high-energy teamwork. Head coach Lynne Roberts said the Sparks’ approach made Martin feel welcomed and confident. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase called the waiver an emotional but necessary decision to “build the best team,” citing roster construction and injury concerns.
Criticism & Opposition
Nakase’s remarks note the difficulty of cutting a player described as a “family member,” indicating internal tension over the roster move. No external criticism appears in the sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the waiver occurred on Wednesday or Thursday. Some accounts attribute the cut mainly to roster building, while others cite the quad strain as a factor, leaving the primary rationale unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was brutal,” — Kate Martin, Guard, Los Angeles Sparks
- “It was very emotional, a lot of heartache,” — Natalie Nakase, Head Coach, Golden State Valkyries
- “Kate is a gifted shooter, whose grittiness and winning history mesh well with Sparks basketball,” — Raegan Pebley, General Manager, Los Angeles Sparks
- “Excited for a new beginning & the opportunity! Go Sparks,” — Kate Martin, Instagram post
What’s Next
Martin can appear in up to 12 games this season, adding depth behind Kelsey Plum, Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby while the Sparks monitor her development under the new CBA framework.
