Overview
- Kate Martin was activated for the eighth time on Monday in her first return to the Bay Area, leaving her with four of the 12 allowed appearances left under the WNBA’s new developmental-contract rule.
- Developmental contracts, added in the 2026 collective bargaining agreement, let teams carry up to two such players who may practice and travel but be active in no more than 12 games a season.
- Los Angeles has no open roster spot, so signing Martin to a standard contract would require waiving another player and force a choice among young prospects and veterans on the current roster.
- When given minutes Martin has produced efficient bench scoring, shooting 47.4% from the field in limited time and earning strong fan support at Sparks home games.
- Her emotional, well-received return to Golden State — capped by a tribute video and public praise from Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase — has raised public attention and could add pressure on the Sparks’ imminent roster decision.