Former Iowa women's basketball standout Kate Martin is back on the WNBA radar, signing a Player Development Pool contract with the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, May 10. The move comes just days after the Golden State Valkyries waived her on Thursday, May 7.

Development contracts allow Martin to participate in all team practices and activities, including travel. She can be activated for up to 12 games per season and could earn a promotion to the standard roster at any time—though once elevated, she cannot be sent back to a development spot without being waived first.

Martin's journey to the Sparks has been eventful. She joined Golden State in the team's 2024 WNBA expansion draft ahead of their inaugural 2025 season, following a rookie year with the Las Vegas Aces. However, a Grade II right quad strain suffered during practice on April 28 sidelined her. In a May 5 news conference, she reported the injury was "progressing well" but acknowledged missing the final weeks of practice.

Now 25 and turning 26 in June, Martin brings a resilient mindset to a Sparks squad eager to rebuild. Her time with Iowa's powerhouse program—where she helped lead the Hawkeyes to consecutive national championship games—has made her a familiar name among basketball fans. For the Sparks, adding a player with Martin's work ethic and big-game experience could be a savvy move as they look to bolster their roster depth.