Sparks Lock In Kate Martin With Standard Deal After Roster Shuffle

The Los Angeles Sparks needed a spark. So they gave Kate Martin a standard contract. The team announced the move Wednesday, converting her from a development deal to a full roster spot. To make room, they waived rookie guard Ta’Niya Latson.

Martin had been on one of the WNBA’s new development contracts since the start of the season. She appeared in 10 of the 12 games she was allowed under that deal, mostly because the Sparks kept dealing with injuries and needed someone off the bench who could actually produce.

Career-Best Shooting Numbers

She’s averaging 2.6 points this season, which doesn’t jump off the page. But she’s shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three. Both are career highs for the former Iowa standout. The Sparks clearly decided they wanted her around for the rest of the season rather than letting her hit the limit on development games.

Martin was the No. 18 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She started her pro career with the Las Vegas Aces, then got picked up by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 expansion draft. The Valkyries cut her before this season. Now she’s getting a longer look in L.A.

Roberts Likes Martin’s Versatility

Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts has talked about Martin’s ability to play multiple positions, including the four. That matters right now because backup center Cameron Brink is out with an ankle injury. And Alissa Pili, who the team signed recently, hasn’t been cleared to play yet. The Sparks need frontcourt help and Martin gives them another option.

The roster move leaves the Sparks with one open development contract spot. Pili is on the other one. According to Justin Russo of Russo Writes, the team plans to sign Latson back to that open development spot if she clears waivers and no other team picks her up.

Latson was the No. 20 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The Sparks thought they got a steal when she fell to the second round. She’s been playing out of position though, shifting from her natural shooting guard spot to point guard. She appeared in 10 games this season at about five minutes per game. Not a lot of time to show what she can do.