The Chicago Sky signed former Iowa guard Kate Martin to a developmental contract after she appeared in 17 games for the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Chicago Sky have signed guard Kate Martin to a developmental contract for the remainder of the 2026 season, giving the team another backcourt option as it continues to evaluate its roster.
Chicago announced the signing of the Iowa product on Sept. 2. She spent the majority of the season with the Los Angeles Sparks under a developmental contract.
Martin's developmental contract was converted to a standard deal in July. She played in 17 games with the Sparks.
Kate Martin Gets Another WNBA Opportunity
Martin was selected with the No. 18 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces. She played her rookie season with the Aces, appearing in 32 games.
The third-year guard was building rapport with her teammates but was ultimately left unprotected by Las Vegas ahead of the Golden State Valkyries' expansion draft.
Martin was selected No. 6 overall by the Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft. She averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds while playing 16.4 minutes per game during the franchise's inaugural season.
According to league policy, developmental players are eligible to play in 12 regular-season games before they must be converted to a standard contract.
The 26-year-old played 17 games with the Sparks and averaged 2.3 points while playing 7.1 minutes per game. She will wear No. 20 while returning to her home state of Illinois.
Chicago Sky Evaluate Roster Down The Stretch
The Sky will miss the 2026 postseason after an injury-riddled season. However, the team has had some bright spots.
Guard Sydney Taylor has become one of the future pieces of the franchise with her ability to close games, as she has hit two game-winners this season. Center Kamilla Cardoso has become a threat in the post and has provided the franchise with the interior talent needed.
Guard DiJonai Carrington has provided the team with grit and defensive tenacity. She has impacted the game on both sides of the floor with her ability to defend at a high level and score at all three levels.
Veteran guard Natasha Cloud has been one of the reliable veterans on the team. Despite a gloomy season, she has helped keep the team together.
Although the team lost forward Rickea Jackson and guard Skylar Diggins for the season, it will have more depth next season if the roster returns.
Martin has a chance to earn playing time over the remaining four games while giving Chicago another player to evaluate for next season.
The Sky are 15-25 and sit 10th in the league standings. Once the league resumes play on Sept. 17, Chicago will have four games remaining. Three of those matchups will be against teams above .500.
