Time is running out on Kate Martin’s development agreement

Kate Martin’s Developmental Journey with the Los Angeles Sparks

Kate Martin is currently with the Los Angeles Sparks under a developmental contract. It seems her time without a standard roster position might be winding down, as she’s already participated in seven of the twelve games permitted for developmental players.

This third-year guard, who was previously let go by the Golden State Valkyries, hasn’t had an abundance of playing time. However, when she’s been on the court, she’s made an impression, averaging 3.3 points in 7.9 minutes per game and showing efficiency with a 50 percent shot success rate and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc.

Following the Sparks’ 89-72 win over the Portland Fire, Kelsey Plumb, the team’s standout player, expressed her admiration for Martin.

“Love Kate Martin. Kate Martin for president!” Plumb enthusiastically stated.

When asked about Martin’s status on a developmental contract, Plumb hinted at her desire for Martin to secure a regular contract, though she acknowledged that the decision wasn’t hers to make.

“I hope it doesn’t last long,” Plumb commented about Martin’s current situation. “Every time she plays, you see her impact. Her energy, she makes shots, she’s very active. We need more of Kate Martin.”

Kelsey Plumb and Kate Martin: A Former Teammate Connection

Martin began her career with the Las Vegas Aces, sharing the court with Kelsey Plumb, who leads the Sparks’ scoring efforts.

After going unprotected in last year’s expansion draft, Martin was picked up by the Valkyries, where she became a solid rotation player, averaging 6.2 points across 16.4 minutes each game.

The experience that Martin and Plumb shared continues to resonate this season.

“Of course I have played with Kate, and one of my favorite things about her is she’s always in the right place,” Plumb shared on Sunday. “So I’m looking forward to working with Kate Martin more this year.”

For Martin to be signed to a standard roster spot, the Sparks would need to release one of their current twelve players.

Emma Cannon, Sanya Feagin, Jihyun Park, and Tanya Latson were all inactive during the last game, where Martin logged eight minutes of play. If Los Angeles opts to create room for Martin, it’s possible that one of these players could be let go, especially if they continue receiving less playing time than Martin.

Latson and Feagin were selected 20th and 21st respectively in the 2026 draft by South Carolina, while Cannon and Park joined as free agents.

Developmental Contracts to Standard Contracts: A Possibility?

This season has already seen three WNBA players transition from developmental contracts to standard roster positions. Last month, the Portland Fire made history by converting both Frieda Buehner and Holly Winterburn’s contracts, and just last week, the Washington Mystics did the same for Alicia Flores.