It hasn't been an easy road for former Hawkeye Kate Martin, but she has found a way to make an impact for multiple WNBA franchises.
Martin's future was in limbo after the Golden State Valkyries waived her following an injury she suffered in training before the 2026 season began. After being waived by the Valkyries, Martin was forced to find a new organization and join her third different team in three years. She has bounced around, but a star player is now going to bat for her to keep her where she is.
Kelsey Plum wants Martin to stick around for a whole lot longer
Martin began her career with Las Vegas after the Aces selected her with the No. 18 pick in the second round of the 2024 draft, before joining the Valkyries last season in the supplemental draft. After being waived by the Valkyries, it didn't take her long to find a new home, and she has made a solid impression in her short time with Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum says she’s looking forward to playing with Kate Martin a lot more this season.
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) June 8, 2026
She said Martin is always in the right spot.
Martin is currently on a developmental contract but Plum says hopefully not for much longer. pic.twitter.com/zY2oRYMvvG
Martin joined the Sparks on a developmental contract on May 10, which allows her to suit up for 12 games before the organization must sign her or waive her. In typical Martin fashion, she has made an immediate good impression on her teammates, including star guard Kelsey Plum.
After the Sparks' victory over the Portland Fire last weekend, Plum was asked about Martin, and she didn't hesitate when she responded with "I love Kate Martin. Kate Martin for President." Plum followed that by saying she hopes Martin isn't on a developmental contract for long because you can see the impact she makes whenever she enters the game.
She finished by saying that Martin is always in the right spot, and she looks forward to playing with her more this year. Martin has played in seven of her allotted 12 games, and the Sparks have a difficult decision ahead of them. If they ultimately decide to keep Martin, they will have to cut someone else, and could be very guard-heavy with at least six other guards already on the roster.
There are also financial implications, but for us, it is a no-brainer.
The Sparks must find a way to keep Martin on the roster
Obviously, we want Kate Martin to stick on a WNBA roster and have the chance to make an impact, but it makes sense for the Sparks to keep her around. Not only has she earned the trust of Kelsey Plum, but she brings veteran leadership and toughness to a young Sparks roster.
She is a perfect reserve option behind Plum and Nneka Ogwumike because you don't have to run any plays for her, and she does all the little things on both ends of the court. She is a capable defender and can knock down long-range shots, increasing her value on any team.
No one is saying Martin will immediately vault the Sparks into championship contention, but every team needs a player like her to round out the squad and provide a spark off the bench (no pun intended). If the Sparks ultimately decide to waive her, there is no doubt another team will give her a chance.
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