Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh praised Kate Martin's toughness and selflessness after reuniting with her on a developmental contract.
The Chicago Sky signed Kate Martin to a developmental contract on Sept. 2, shortly after the Los Angeles Sparks waived her. Sky coach Tyler Marsh was an assistant in Las Vegas during Martin's rookie season, and when the Golden State Valkyries released her this spring, he texted her to say he would take the chance to sign her if it ever came.
Marsh said Martin has been pigeonholed as a 3-point shooter at the pro level, and that he sees a driver and a finisher.
"I love Kate," Marsh said. "In any capacity, just having someone as tough and selfless as she is fits right into the mold of what we want this team to be about. So, even in a development role, we want to have her around. She belongs in this league."
Martin Looking for Stability With Chicago
Chicago is Martin's fourth team in three years, and the deal covers the four games left on the schedule.
"You can look at it one of two ways," Martin said. "I crave stability. I would love to find my home and my niche. But also, I've learned so many great things from so many people. I've made so many friendships. I've learned different systems. I've learned how coaches operate. I learned what's good in practice, what might not work in practice."
Developmental players can play up to 12 games before needing a standard contract or leaving. The Sky will keep Martin's rights next season. She'll wear No. 20, and the developmental spot opened when Phoenix Mercury signed Maddy Westbeld from Chicago.
Martin turned 26 in June and figured her season was finished when the Sparks let her go.
"Beggars can't be choosers," Martin explained. "I'm very grateful that I even got a call. I honestly thought my season was probably going to be over with only four games being left. ... My goal is to make an impact and make the most of the next couple weeks."
Marsh Sees More in Martin's Game
The Las Vegas Aces drafted Martin at No. 18 overall in 2024, from Iowa, where she played five years and appeared in consecutive national championship games.
She played 32 games as a rookie, shooting 35.5% from 3 (22-of-62). Golden State picked her 6th in the 2025 expansion draft. In her first year with the Valkyries, she averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes, with 57 3-pointers, ranking third on the team. She was waived in early May before the season started.
Los Angeles signed her development deal, making her the first Sparks player to move from the Player Development Pool to the active roster. Her role then narrowed over the summer.
The Sparks waived her on Aug. 29 and signed forward Aaliyah Nye in her place. Martin averaged 2.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.1 minutes over 17 games there, shooting 37.1% from the field and 30.8% from 3.
Marsh thinks Martin has gotten quicker, which he expects to show on the perimeter and defensively.
"Ty isn't just about basketball and on-court skills," Martin said. "He's a people person. I think I can bring a lot of value to a team other than just basketball. Ty sees that. I think we align in the culture pieces."
Sky Finishes Season With Four Games
The Sky are 15-25 and eliminated from playoff contention. They lost 85-66 to the New York Liberty on Aug. 29 in their last game before the WNBA paused for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca sent Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for two first-round picks over the offseason and brought Rickea Jackson in from the Sparks for Ariel Atkins. Jackson tore the ACL in her left knee against the Minnesota Lynx on May 17, four games into the season.
Chicago hosts the Washington Mystics on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Wintrust Arena. Tip-off is 7 p.m. CT.
