Before the 2026 season got underway, the Golden State Valkyries decided to cut ties with guard Kate Martin. As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her career, the franchise decided to make a nice gesture in her honor.
On May 10th, the Valkyries’ social media team made multiple posts for Martin. They thanked her for having such a positive impact on the franchise and being a beloved figure in and around the team.
Golden State also made a small montage of some of Martin’s best moments during her brief stint with the organization.
Martin landed with the Valkyries via the 2025 expansion draft, where they selected sixth overall from the Las Vegas Aces. She’d go on to put up the best numbers of her young career in a bench role, averaging 6.2 PPG and 2.7 RPG in 42 appearances.
These posts come not long after Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase opened up on what a tough decision it was to move on from the 25-year-old.
Kate Martin Doesn’t Last Long on the Open Market
Despite it being the opening weekend of the new season, Martin didn’t have to wait long to secure a spot with a new team. On May 10th, the LA Sparks announced that they signed the former second-round pick to a player development contract.
Sparks GM Raegan Pebley raved about Martin in the team’s press release, citing her strong shooting prowess as something that can help elevate the roster moving forward.
“Kate is a gifted shooter, whose grittiness and winning history mesh well with Sparks basketball,” said 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.”
Under a development contract, Martin won’t have an official spot on the roster. However, she’ll get to practice with the team and be activated for up to 12 games during the 2026 season.
Martin will now be with an LA team that is headlined by Kelsey Plum, Cameron Brink, and Nneka Ogwumike.
Paige Bueckers Among WNBA Stars Excited for Kate Martin After Landing With Sparks
Though she isn’t seen as a star-level talent, Martin is well beloved by her peers. This was on full display Sunday when the news emerged that she’d now be joining the Sparks.
Shortly after the Sparks’ announcement reached Instagram, countless players across the league chimed in with their thoughts. Among those excited to see her land on her feet following being waived by the Valkyries was Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers.
Martin still has a ways to go to fully get back on a WNBA roster. That said, this signing is a big step in the right direction. She’ll now have a chance to showcase her talents behind the scenes in an effort to eventually be converted to a standard deal.
For LA, this gives them a chance to take a flier on a young talent still only in her third year in the league. Given her reputation as a good locker room presence and complementary skill set, she could end up being a promising prospect for the Sparks as they look to build out for the future.
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