Kate Martin's professional basketball career takes a new turn as she signs a developmental contract with the Chicago Sky. This announcement comes just days after the 26-year-old guard was released by the Los Angeles Sparks on August 29. The Edwardsville, Illinois native is eager to continue her journey in the WNBA, now with a team that has shown interest in her potential.
Martin was selected as the 18th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces, making her one of the few second-round picks to secure a spot on a WNBA roster that year. Unfortunately, her time with the Sparks was cut short, marking her second release this season. Prior to her stint in Los Angeles, she was waived by the Golden State Valkyries on May 7, where she averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds across 16.4 minutes per game during the 2025 season.
After being picked up by the Sparks shortly after her release from the Valkyries, Martin was initially signed to a developmental roster spot. This role allowed her to participate in up to 12 regular-season games before needing to transition to a standard contract. In her own words, Martin expressed her commitment to being the best developmental player possible, focusing on workouts, teamwork, and supporting her teammates from the bench.
On July 6, she made history by becoming the first player in Sparks' history to be elevated from the developmental pool to a standard WNBA contract. This achievement was praised by the then-general manager Raegan Pebley, who highlighted Martin's versatility on both ends of the court. However, despite this recognition, Martin's playing time dwindled as the season progressed. Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts noted in August that the team's ownership had requested bench players receive more playing time, especially since the Sparks had already secured a losing record and were out of playoff contention. Yet, Martin's opportunities remained limited as the coaching staff prioritized evaluating other players.
During her time with the Sparks, Martin participated in 17 games, averaging 2.3 points per game. Before entering the WNBA, she had a successful collegiate career at the University of Iowa, where she averaged 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Over her four years with the Hawkeyes, she played in 163 games and ranks fifth in the school's history for assists with a total of 473.
Looking ahead, Martin is expected to be available for the Sky when the WNBA resumes play after the FIBA World Cup break on September 17. Her debut with Chicago could come against the Washington Mystics, scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. As she embarks on this new chapter with the Sky, fans will be watching closely to see how she adapts and contributes to her new team.
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