The Los Angeles Sparks signed Kate Martin to a standard contract for the rest of the 2026 WNBA season — essentially the only practical decision the team could have made. Martin was on a developmental contract with the Sparks after she was waived by the Golden State Valkyries earlier this season, and had almost maxed out her 12 allotted games under the contract.
The news was disappointing for fans of Ta'Niya Latson, who was waived from the Sparks to make space for Martin.
Kate Martin deserves to finish the WNBA season on team
Martin, who was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces ahead of the 2024 season, has brought a lot to every team that she's been part of. She quickly became a fan favorite in Las Vegas, and was often photographed before and after games being celebrated by her teammates (and especially A'ja Wilson).
Being chosen by the Valkyries during the team's expansion draft gave Martin the opportunity to help build a franchise, and possibly even an eventual dynasty, from the ground up. Though she only spent one season in Golden State, it was apparent by how fans received her and by how the team's coaches spoke about her unplanned departure that she meant (and means) a lot to the organization.
Her time at the Sparks has been a little different, but Martin's impact on the court has been the same. She's a versatile two-way player who has enormous fan appeal, and she's got a high basketball IQ that allows her to make impressive and impactful plays. The move from a developmental role to a full team role should give her a boost in minutes (she's currently averaging 2.6 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in only 7.7 minutes on the floor).
None of this takes away from Latson, who came to the Sparks from the University of South Carolina. Latson averaged 1.8 points and 1.0 rebounds in 5 minutes of time for the team, and it's possible that another WNBA team will pick her up before the deadline this week.
Though it might not seem like it, the WNBA has already reached the midpoint of the 2026 season. At this point, teams are forced to lock in the final rosters they hope to end the season with. This year's season will extend into September due to the FIBA World Cup later this summer, which will require a break for WNBA players who are not representing the United States.
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