Iowa's Kate Martin Finds New Home With Chicago Sky: 'She Belongs in This League'

Former Iowa Hawkeyes standout Kate Martin has signed a developmental contract with the Chicago Sky, keeping her WNBA season alive after being waived by the Los Angeles Sparks. Sky coach Tyler Marsh, who worked with Martin during her rookie year in Las Vegas, made it clear he believes the 26-year-old has what it takes to stick in the league.

Martin, a five-year Iowa starter who played in consecutive national championship games, joined the Sky on Sept. 2. The deal covers the team's final four games of the regular season, giving the Edwardsville, Illinois native one more shot to prove herself in 2026.

Why Tyler Marsh Wanted Kate Martin in Chicago

Marsh was an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces during Martin's rookie season in 2024. When the Golden State Valkyries released her this spring, he reached out immediately.

“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.”

Marsh said Martin has been pigeonholed as a 3-point shooter at the pro level, but he sees more. He believes she has gotten quicker, which should show up on the perimeter and defensively.

Martin's Journey Through Four Teams in Three Years

Chicago is Martin's fourth team in three years. The Aces drafted her at No. 18 overall in 2024, and she played 32 games as a rookie, shooting 35.5% from beyond the arc.

Golden State selected her sixth overall in the 2025 expansion draft. She averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game with the Valkyries, knocking down 57 threes, third-best on the team. But she was waived in early May before the 2026 season started.

Los Angeles signed her to a development deal, making her the first Sparks player to move from the Player Development Pool to the active roster. Her role narrowed over the summer, and the Sparks waived her on Aug. 29. She averaged 2.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.1 minutes over 17 games there.

Martin turned 26 in June and thought her season was finished when Los Angeles let her go.

“Beggars can't be choosers,” Martin said. “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.”

Martin Looking for Stability and a Home

Martin is open about wanting to find a permanent home in the WNBA. The developmental contract allows her to play up to 12 games before needing a standard deal or leaving. The Sky will keep her rights next season, and she will wear No. 20.

“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.”

Martin also values the relationship she has with Marsh beyond basketball.

“Ty isn't just about basketball and on-court skills,” she 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.”

What's at Stake for the Sky's Final Games

The Sky sit at 15-25 and have been 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.

Chicago hosts the Washington Mystics on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Wintrust Arena. Tip-off is 7 p.m. CT.

The developmental spot opened when the Phoenix Mercury signed Maddy Westbeld from Chicago. Martin's arrival gives the Sky another proven competitor with big-game experience from her Iowa days, where she helped lead the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national title appearances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kate Martin's Sky Signing

How many games can Kate Martin play for the Chicago Sky this season?

Developmental players can play up to 12 games before needing a standard contract or leaving the team. With only four games left on Chicago's schedule, Martin will play out the remainder of the season under her current deal.

Will Kate Martin return to the Sky next season?

The Sky will keep Martin's rights for next season, meaning Chicago has the first opportunity to sign her to a standard contract in 2027.

What did Kate Martin accomplish at Iowa?

Martin played five years at Iowa, appearing in consecutive national championship games. She was drafted at No. 18 overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024.