Skip to content
ASMedia's Sports Arena — Wnba — Basketball

Kate Martin joins LA Sparks days after emotional Valkyries exit

From tears to triumph: Kate Martin's WNBA journey takes a dramatic turn. Fans rally as she joins the Sparks' developmental roster.

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
The image shows a group of women playing a game of basketball in a gymnasium. There are people...
The image shows a group of women playing a game of basketball in a gymnasium. There are people sitting on the stairs on the left side of the image, and a wall in the background. At the top of the ceiling, there are rods and lights, and banners with text hanging from them. In the center of the court, there is a basketball hoop with a net, indicating that the game is taking place in a competitive atmosphere. The text on the banners reads "WKU Women's Basketball" and the date of the game, January 19, 2019, is also visible.

Kate Martin joins LA Sparks days after emotional Valkyries exit

Kate Martin has signed with the LA Sparks just days after leaving the Golden State Valkyries. The move follows an emotional interview where she discussed her exit from the team. Fans quickly showed their support online after her comments went viral. Martin was waived by the Valkyries on Thursday. Two days later, she signed with the Sparks on Sunday. The deal places her on the developmental roster rather than a standard contract.

Her interview about leaving Golden State spread widely, with many supporters rallying behind her. During the conversation, she appeared visibly emotional, at times fighting back tears.

This will be Martin’s third team in as many seasons. Drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, she played for the Valkyries in 2025 before the latest switch. On Instagram, she shared her excitement about joining the Sparks.

The move also sets up a reunion with Caitlin Clark when the Sparks face the Indiana Fever. Martin’s arrival adds another layer to the upcoming matchup. Martin now joins the Sparks’ developmental squad, continuing her WNBA journey. Her next game against Clark and the Fever will draw extra attention. The shift marks another change in her young professional career.

Related

Latest