Chicago Sky make official announcement amid WNBA break

The Los Angeles Sparks released Kate Martin on Saturday. The move came after they became one of the WNBA eliminated from playoff contention, along with the Chicago Sky.

Martin entered the league as the No. 18 overall pick in 2024 out of Iowa. She played five seasons with the Hawkeyes, helping the program reach two national championship games. The guard played a key role in the backcourt, alongside now-Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, with whom she shares a close friendship.

However, her collegiate success has not translated into success in the WNBA. She has not found a permanent home, bouncing around the league. Martin has played for three different teams and is set to begin a new phase in her professional career.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) greets former Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin (20).

Chicago Sky announce Kate Martin’s signing

Chicago may have been eliminated from playoff contention, but it is already planning ahead. The team announced a move on Wednesday during the WNBA’s FIBA World Cup break, signing Martin to a developmental contract.

“welcome to The Chi, Kate! we’ve officially signed Kate Martin to a developmental contract. #skytown,” the Sky wrote.

welcome to The Chi, Kate!

we’ve officially signed Kate Martin to a developmental contract. #skytown pic.twitter.com/ryjZjcvSMC

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 2, 2026

Developmental contracts are a part of the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Each team can carry two developmental players on their roster and can appear in up to 12 games. Chicago has four games remaining this season.

Martin first signed a developmental contract with the Sparks before they converted it to a standard deal. She appeared in 17 games for them this year, averaging 2.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.1 minutes. Her move to the Sky gives her a new lease of life and allows the team to evaluate her ahead of the 2027 season. She holds career averages of 4.2 points and 2 rebounds in 12.9 minutes.

The 26-year-old will also return to Unrivaled. Strong performances in the 3-on-3 full court league could pave the way for her to earn another standard contract next year.