Just a day before the 2026 WNBA season started, the Golden State Valkyries waived guard Kate Martin. It was naturally a painful development for Martin, who later admitted that she's uncertain if "it's something you fully get over."
Fortunately for Martin, she got another opportunity when the Los Angeles Sparks signed her to a player development contract in May.
Compared to a standard WNBA deal, a player development contract is available for players with zero to three years of experience, per SB Nation. It is designed to give young players more chances to be part of a WNBA team without occupying a standard roster spot.
For Martin, it was another challenge to prove herself and show everyone that she belongs in the WNBA.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Now, two months later, Martin has demonstrated that she has what it takes to succeed in the WNBA and contribute to a team. The Sparks converted her player development contract into a standard deal, which means there is no longer a limit to how many games she can play this 2026 season.
After learning of the Sparks' decision, Martin's former Valkyries teammate Kaitlyn Chen couldn't hide her delight.
"wooooooooooo!!!" Chen wrote on her Instagram story, while sharing a post about Martin's new deal.
Martin and Chen grew close as teammates on the Valkyries in 2025.
Even after Martin left Golden State, Chen has remained supportive of her former teammate. In fact, when Martin initially signed a player development deal with the Sparks, Chen said "LA is one lucky ducky."
Clearly, even though they are no longer together in Golden State, their friendship and love for each other remain strong.
