Story by
Chicago Sky coach reveals Kate Martin plan after two straight absences
- Story by
- Chicago Sky coach reveals Kate Martin plan after two straight absences
Chicago Sky coach reveals Kate Martin plan after two straight absences originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Kate Martin 's wait for another WNBA opportunity appears to be ending. Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh announced that Martin will be active Tuesday against the Toronto Tempo after she was unavailable for the first two games following her arrival.
Advertisement
Martin joined Chicago on a developmental contract during the league's World Cup break. The former Iowa guard had been released by the Los Angeles Sparks in late August after appearing in 17 games. The Sky signed Martin in September but listed her as out because of a coach's decision for games against the Connecticut Sun and Atlanta Dream .
That created questions about whether she would receive another chance before Chicago's season ended. Marsh answered them ahead of the Sky's final two games.
"Kate will be active tomorrow," Marsh said after explaining that Chicago needed to preserve flexibility with its remaining developmental activations.
The announcement gives Martin an opportunity to make her Sky debut Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
Advertisement
WNBA developmental rules complicated Martin's status
Martin's absence was connected to roster-management rules rather than an injury. WNBA teams are allowed 24 developmental activations during the season. Chicago used its 20th when it activated Morgan Maly for Saturday's 106-81 loss to the Atlanta Dream .
Maly made the most of her opportunity, recording 10 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes. The Sky have four activations remaining for their final two games, creating enough room for Marsh to use both Maly and Martin if he chooses.
"We only have a select number of developmental games to utilize," Marsh said. "With two games left, I want to be able to have a little bit of flexibility."
Advertisement
Martin's unusual journey has taken her to four organizations in less than three seasons.
She began her career with the Las Vegas Aces after they selected her in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft. Golden State then selected Martin in the expansion draft before the Sparks acquired her. Los Angeles released Martin late in the 2026 season, opening the door for Chicago to add her as a developmental player.
MORE: Stephanie White disputes controversial Aliyah Boston foul call
Kate Martin gets chance to make late impression
The Sky enter Tuesday's game on a five-game losing streak and eliminated from playoff contention. Chicago dropped to 15-27 after its 25-point loss to Atlanta. That leaves Marsh with an opportunity to evaluate players who could become part of the team's future.
Advertisement
Martin fits that description.
She has developed a reputation as a reliable teammate and willing defender, but she still needs consistent playing time to establish a permanent WNBA role. The final two games could function as an audition in Chicago and around the league.
Martin's first opportunity will come against Toronto before the Sky finish their season against another opponent fighting for postseason positioning.
Chicago has little to gain in the standings, but its remaining games still carry value for roster evaluation. Martin waited through two absences after signing with the Sky. Marsh has now made it clear that the wait will end Tuesday.
Advertisement
