Kate Martin has signed a player development contract with the Los Angeles Sparks just days after being waived by the Golden State Valkyries. Sparks GM Raegan Pebley praised her shooting skills and tenacity.
Key points
Kate Martin signed with the Los Angeles Sparks
She was waived by the Golden State Valkyries
The signing was announced on May 10
Sparks GM praised her shooting and defense
She will develop within the Sparks' system
Kate MartinLos Angeles SparksGolden State Valkyries
It didn't take guard Kate Martin long to find a new WNBA team.
The team announced the move in a news release issued on Sunday, May 10.
"KateĀ is aĀ gifted shooter, whoseĀ grittinessĀ andĀ winning historyĀ meshĀ well with Sparks basketball," Sparks GM Raegan Pebley said in a statement. "SheāsĀ confident in her shot, plays tenacious defense andĀ is an unselfish, high-energy teammate.Ā WeāreĀ eagerĀ toĀ watchĀ KateĀ develop within our system."
Callie Fin poses on the Las Vegas Aces' court at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Callie Fin interviews Aces forward NaLyssa Smith following a practice at T-Mobile Arena.
A very swollen Callie Fin poses with friend and former track & field teammate Kenady Jackson, during halftime of An Aces game at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Q&A
Why was Kate Martin waived by the Golden State Valkyries?
The specific reasons for Kate Martin's waiver by the Golden State Valkyries have not been disclosed.
What is a player development contract in the WNBA?
A player development contract allows players to train and develop with a WNBA team, often as part of a broader strategy to enhance their skills and potential.
What did Sparks GM Raegan Pebley say about Kate Martin?
Raegan Pebley described Kate Martin as a gifted shooter with a strong work ethic and a winning history, expressing eagerness to see her develop within the Sparks' system.
When did Kate Martin sign with the Los Angeles Sparks?
Kate Martin signed with the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, May 10.
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Callie Fin interviews Aces star A'ja Wilson following a practice at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Callie Fin on the court at Michelob Ultra Arena following Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.
Callie Fin hides behind her peers in a group photo. USA TODAY's Meghan Hall is to the right of her, and USA TODAY's Cydney Henderson is in the middle of the group.
Callie Fin covering NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center with popcorn for a morning sickness-friendly snack on July 17, 2025, exactly halfway through her pregnancy.
Callie Fin takes a mirror selfie in the bathrooms at Michelob Ultra Arena after a WNBA Finals practice.
Callie Fin in the emergency wing of Southern Hills hospital in Las Vegas on Oct. 14, disoriented and uncomfortable, but relieved to be receiving care.
Callie receiving support from her husband during difficult moments of delivery in the early morning hours of Oct. 16, 2025.
Callie Fin, her baby, and all of the world's baby gear, solo traveling at the airport Feb. 6, 2026, returning to Las Vegas from a trip to San Francisco during Super Bowl week.
Callie Fin and her newborn son on Oct. 30, 2025. Getting in skin-to-skin while Callie checks that her Aces articles were published while she was in the hospital.
Callie Fin taking a break from working on two laptops while nursing her son and getting ready to go cover a basketball game on Jan. 24, 2026, during her second week back from maternity leave.
Callie Fin, her husband and her infant son, enjoying a picnic in Las Vegas in April.
1 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin poses on the Las Vegas Aces' court at Michelob Ultra Arena.
1 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin poses on the Las Vegas Aces' court at Michelob Ultra Arena.
2 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin interviews Aces forward NaLyssa Smith following a practice at T-Mobile Arena.
3 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
A very swollen Callie Fin poses with friend and former track & field teammate Kenady Jackson, during halftime of An Aces game at Michelob Ultra Arena.
4 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin interviews Aces star A'ja Wilson following a practice at Michelob Ultra Arena.
5 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin on the court at Michelob Ultra Arena following Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.
6 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin hides behind her peers in a group photo. USA TODAY's Meghan Hall is to the right of her, and USA TODAY's Cydney Henderson is in the middle of the group.
7 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin covering NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center with popcorn for a morning sickness-friendly snack on July 17, 2025, exactly halfway through her pregnancy.
8 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin takes a mirror selfie in the bathrooms at Michelob Ultra Arena after a WNBA Finals practice.
9 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin in the emergency wing of Southern Hills hospital in Las Vegas on Oct. 14, disoriented and uncomfortable, but relieved to be receiving care.
10 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie receiving support from her husband during difficult moments of delivery in the early morning hours of Oct. 16, 2025.
11 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin, her baby, and all of the world's baby gear, solo traveling at the airport Feb. 6, 2026, returning to Las Vegas from a trip to San Francisco during Super Bowl week.
12 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin and her newborn son on Oct. 30, 2025. Getting in skin-to-skin while Callie checks that her Aces articles were published while she was in the hospital.
13 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin taking a break from working on two laptops while nursing her son and getting ready to go cover a basketball game on Jan. 24, 2026, during her second week back from maternity leave.
14 / 14
Motherhood and the WNBA, a perfect match
Callie Fin, her husband and her infant son, enjoying a picnic in Las Vegas in April.
A fan favorite, Martin was somewhat surprisingly cut as the Valkyries finalized their roster ahead of the start of the 2026 WNBA season. The team had selected Martin as one of the first players taken in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft.
However, Martin's first season with the team was inconsistent production-wise, and when preseason rolled around, she was battling a right quad strain.
Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) waits for play to resume against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter at Chase Center on April 25, 2026.
Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20) waits for play to resume against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter at Chase Center on April 25, 2026.
Martin, a college teammate of Caitlin Clark's at Iowa, averaged 6.2 points per game off the bench for the Valkyries in 2025.
WNBA teams have two developmental spots available on their rosters for players who can practice, receive benefitsĀ and can be activated for up to 12 games.
