Overview
- The Los Angeles Sparks signed guard Kate Martin to a standard WNBA contract and waived second-round rookie Ta'Niya Latson on Monday, moving Martin off a developmental deal and onto the guaranteed 12-player roster.
- Martin joined the Sparks on a player development contract on May 10 after being released by the Golden State Valkyries, has appeared in 10 games for Los Angeles and averaged about 2.6 points in 7.7 minutes while shooting roughly 37.5 percent from three.
- Latson was the Sparks’ No. 20 pick in the 2026 draft and averaged about 1.8 points in five minutes across 10 games before being cut, and she could return to the team on a development slot if she clears waivers.
- Under the new CBA, a promotion to a standard contract carries materially higher pay and security for players; reporting notes Martin could earn near the reported league average of roughly $583,000 while development players earn a weekly stipend and have a 12-game activation limit.
- The transaction reflects a growing trend under the revised CBA of teams converting development players to full deals during the season, a change that tightens roster spots and raises the stakes for fringe players and late-round rookies.