Kate Martin's contract update is big news for Caitlin Clark's former teammate

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Two months ago, Kate Martin's WNBA career hung by a thread.

Days before the start of the 2026 season, the Golden State Valkyries unexpectedly cut Martin; she quickly signed a developmental contract with the Los Angeles Sparks -- which opened a pathway for the former Iowa sharpshooter to sign a standard contract down the line.

That possibility became reality on Monday.

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With two games remaining before the Sparks faced a contract decision on Martin, Los Angeles signed the third-year guard to a standard WNBA deal.

In a corresponding move, the Sparks waived rookie guard Ta'Niya Latson.

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 6, 2026

Thanks to the renegotiated CBA, a standard contract in the WNBA now carries a meaningful salary. Martin stands to make up to $583,000 -- the league's new average salary -- with her standard deal.

In 10 games with the Sparks, Martin has averaged 2.6 points in 7.7 minutes per game. She is shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range, higher than her 32.4 percent career average.

"Kate has made a meaningful impact on our group both on and off the court," Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said in a statement. "She brings versatility on both ends of the floor, competes at a high level and consistently puts the team first. We’re excited to see her continue to grow."