The Los Angeles Sparks just made history in the most 2025 way possible. They offered a contract to a player who was already under contract with another team. And under the WNBA’s new rules, that’s totally allowed.
The Sparks officially sent an offer sheet to Kiana Williams, a guard currently on a development contract with the Phoenix Mercury. Under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, which added two development roster spots per team, other teams can now poach those players during the season. The Mercury have 24 hours to match the offer or lose her.
If Phoenix doesn’t match, the Sparks will have to cut someone to clear a roster spot. They currently have 12 players on standard contracts and two on development deals. One of those is Kate Martin, the No. 18 pick in the 2024 draft. She’s played well but has used 11 of her allowed 12 games as a development player. If the Sparks want to convert her to a standard deal, they’ll need to waive someone else.
Why the Sparks Went After Williams
It’s pretty clear the Sparks aren’t happy with their guard depth behind Kelsey Plum, Erica Wheeler and Ariel Atkins. Those three start, but the bench options haven’t really worked out. Rookies Chance Gray and Ta’Niya Latson have gotten looks, but neither has locked down a consistent role. And Plum missed Wednesday’s loss to the Minnesota Lynx with a lower leg injury. Her status is up in the air.
Williams is a five-year veteran who’s spent the last two seasons in Phoenix. This year she’s played eight games, averaging a career-high 13 minutes per game. She’s putting up 4.8 points and shooting 36% from three, both career bests. Not star numbers, but for a team desperate for reliable guard play, she’d be a steady hand.
This is the first real test of the WNBA’s new development contract poaching rule. Teams can basically raid each other’s bench midseason, which could get messy. The Mercury have a decision to make, and fast.
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