Former Edwardsville Standout Kate Martin Signs Developmental Contract With WNBA's Chicago Sky

CHICAGO — Former Edwardsville girls basketball standout Kate Martin signed a developmental contract Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, with the Chicago Sky, giving the Women’s National Basketball Association team a player who can participate in team activities and potentially appear in games without counting against the club’s 12-player roster limit or salary cap number.

Under the terms of a WNBA developmental contract, a player with three years or less in the league can sign such a deal. The player can participate in all team activities, including practices, and play up to 12 games before being released or having the deal converted into a standard player contract. A player also receives a prorated minimum player salary of $6,000, along with a weekly stipend.

If activated, Martin can appear in the Sky’s remaining four games of the season. Chicago has already been eliminated from playoff contention. Her first game would be Sept. 17 against the Washington Mystics at Wintrust Arena, the team’s home court in Chicago.

Martin was with the Los Angeles Sparks this season after being released by the Golden State Valkyries before the season began. She appeared in 17 games with the Sparks, who signed her to a developmental contract before the season began and later converted it into a standard contract.

Martin was drafted No. 18 by the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 after a college career at Iowa, where she played alongside Caitlin Clark. She became popularly known as “The Glue” for her leadership ability and ability to get things done for the Hawkeyes.

She was selected sixth in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft by the Valkyries and averaged six points and 3.4 rebounds per game, along with 40 assists, 17 steals, and four blocked shots.

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