Overview
- The Los Angeles Sparks elevated guard Kate Martin to a standard WNBA contract and waived second-round rookie Ta'Niya Latson on Monday, July 6, 2026, in a single roster transaction announced by the team.
- Martin joined the Sparks on a developmental deal after being cut by the Golden State Valkyries and has appeared in 10 games this season with about 7.7–8 minutes per game.
- She has shown strong three-point shooting, hitting 37.5 percent from deep for Los Angeles, which helped the team justify converting her before her 12-game development limit and the contract guarantee date.
- Under the renegotiated CBA, a standard contract carries materially higher pay, which makes conversions like Martin's a meaningful financial step for a player and a salary commitment for the team.
- Waiving Latson frees roster space and opens a development spot the Sparks could fill again if she clears waivers, and the move highlights how teams are using the CBA's new mechanics to manage midseason rosters and playing-time needs.