The Los Angeles Sparks made a flurry of roster moves on Saturday, with veteran guard Kate Martin hitting league waivers.
The former Iowa standout got cut by the Golden State Valkyries before the season started but eventually found a home with the Sparks. However, Martin will most likely have to find a new team in the WNBA to finish 2026 if she wants to play.
While Los Angeles technically has a developmental spot open on the roster right now, Martin has played in more than 12 games this season. WNBA developmental players are limited to 12 games played before they must be put on a formal WNBA contract to be eligible to play again. She would be ineligible to play if she re-signed with Los Angeles in that way since she’s crossed that threshold.
The Sparks claiming guard Aaliyah Nye on waivers after the Atlanta Dream cut her must have made Martin expendable in Los Angeles. Martin averaged 2.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists this season for the team.
Another WNBA team could claim Martin, or she could sign a developmental deal somewhere else in the WNBA to finish out the 2026 season.
Could she reunite with Caitlin Clark on the Fever?
It’s very unlikely the Fever would claim Martin right now for the 12-person roster; both of their developmental spots are also filled right now, too. They would have to cut one of their developmental players to make this happen.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why did the Sparks cut Kate Martin? 1 obvious reason stands out
Reporting by Cory Woodroof, For The Win / For The Win
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect