In a stunning roster move that has sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball world, the Los Angeles Sparks (formerly the Las Vegas franchise) have officially waived guard Kate Martin, the team announced earlier today.
Martin, 25 was selected 18th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, bringing with her a pedigree of championship excellence from the University of Iowa. As a key cog in Caitlin Clark’s supporting cast, Martin was celebrated not for flashy stats, but for her relentless defensive tenacity, high basketball IQ, and leadership—qualities the Sparks franchise valued highly when they traded up to acquire the pick.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Sparks General Manager Karen Bryant in a press release. “Kate embodies everything you want in a professional: grit, selflessness, and a championship mindset. However, after evaluating our roster needs and cap flexibility for the upcoming free agency period, we believe this move gives us the best path forward.”
Martin’s departure is particularly jarring given the franchise’s recent rebranding and promise to build a “blue-collar” culture. In limited preseason minutes, the 5’11” guard averaged 4.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, displaying the same scrappy floor game that made her a fan favorite in Iowa City. Yet, with a logjam at the guard position and the emergence of younger prospects, the front office opted to cut ties before the season opener.
For Martin, the waiver wire represents both an ending and a beginning. Her agent confirmed that several teams have already expressed interest in claiming her off waivers, citing her “willingness to do the dirty work” as a valuable commodity in a league that prioritizes spacing and three-point shooting.
As news of the waiver spread, fans took to social media, expressing outrage and confusion. “She did everything right,” tweeted one Sparks supporter. “This makes no sense.”
For now, Martin remains a free agent, but in a league where opportunity can vanish as quickly as it appears, her future hangs in the balance. One thing is certain: wherever Kate Martin lands, she will make a team better—if they are smart enough to give her a chance.