The Los Angeles Sparks made several roster moves Saturday, placing veteran guard Kate Martin on league waivers.
The former Iowa standout was released by the Golden State Valkyries before the season began but eventually joined the Sparks. However, Martin will likely need to find another WNBA team if she wants to continue playing during the 2026 season.
Why the Sparks waived Kate Martin
Los Angeles technically has an open developmental roster spot, but Martin has appeared in more than 12 games this season. WNBA developmental players are limited to 12 games before they must be signed to a formal WNBA contract to remain eligible to play.
Because Martin has exceeded that limit, she would be ineligible to play if she re-signed with Los Angeles on another developmental contract.
The Sparks’ decision to claim guard Aaliyah Nye off waivers after the Atlanta Dream released her appears to have made Martin expendable. Martin averaged 2.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists this season for Los Angeles.
Another WNBA team could claim Martin, or she could sign a developmental deal with another team to finish the 2026 season.
Could Kate Martin reunite with Caitlin Clark?
It is very unlikely that the Indiana Fever would claim Martin for their 12-player roster right now. Both of Indiana’s developmental roster spots are also filled, meaning the team would have to release one of its developmental players to make room for her.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
