Kate Martin

LOS ANGELES — Former University of Iowa standout Kate Martin has a new WNBA opportunity after being waived by the Golden State Valkyries last week and signing with the Los Angeles Sparks on a player development contract over the weekend.

The Sparks announced the signing Sunday, giving Martin another chance to continue her professional career after Golden State finalized its opening-day roster Thursday.

Martin, who starred at the University of Iowa and helped lead the Hawkeyes to consecutive national championship game appearances, had been sidelined during training camp with a right quadriceps strain before being released by the Valkyries.

Despite the setback, the Sparks quickly moved to bring Martin into the organization.

“Kate is a gifted shooter, whose grittiness and winning history mesh well with Sparks basketball,” Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said in a statement announcing the signing. “She’s confident in her shot, plays tenacious defense and is an unselfish, high-energy teammate.”

Pebley also pointed to Martin’s experience playing in high-pressure environments throughout her college and professional career.

“She understands what it takes to compete and win,” Pebley said. “We’re excited to have her in our program.”

Martin spent the 2025 season with Golden State after being selected by the expansion franchise in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft. Before joining the Valkyries, Martin played her rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces after being selected 18th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

During her season with Golden State, Martin averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 42 games while making four starts. She appeared in 34 games as a rookie with Las Vegas and became known for her defensive versatility and energy off the bench.

Martin earned a strong following during her collegiate career at Iowa, where she played alongside Caitlin Clark under longtime coach Lisa Bluder.

Following Iowa’s run to the 2024 NCAA championship game, Bluder praised Martin’s leadership and toughness.

“She’s one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever coached,” Bluder said during Iowa’s postseason run in 2024. “Kate impacts the game in so many ways that don’t always show up in the box score.”

Martin closed her Iowa career as the first player in program history to record at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 120 steals and 60 blocked shots.

Under the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, teams may carry up to two developmental players outside the standard 12-player roster. Those players may practice with the team and can be activated for up to 12 regular-season games.