Kate Martin’s contract update is big news for Caitlin Clark’s former teammate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Two months ago, Kate Martin‘s WNBA career hung by a thread.
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Days before the start of the 2026 season, the Golden State Valkyriesunexpectedly cut Martin; she quickly signed a developmental contract with the Los Angeles Sparks — which opened a pathway for the former Iowa sharpshooter to sign a standard contract down the line.
That possibility became reality on Monday.
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With two games remaining before the Sparks faced a contract decision on Martin, Los Angeles signed the third-year guard to a standard WNBA deal.
In a corresponding move, the Sparks waived rookie guard Ta’Niya Latson.
Thanks to the renegotiated CBA, a standard contract in the WNBA now carries a meaningful salary. Martin stands to make up to $583,000 — the league’s new average salary — with her standard deal.
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In 10 games with the Sparks, Martin has averaged 2.6 points in 7.7 minutes per game. She is shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range, higher than her 32.4 percent career average.
“Kate has made a meaningful impact on our group both on and off the court,” Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said in a statement. “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.”
