How WNBA star Kate Martin fared on her WNBL debut
Kate Martin has swapped Unrivaled for the WNBL this off-season. After a bumpy 2026 WNBA season, Kate Martin is hitting reset overseas.
Kate Martin made her WNBL debut with Bendigo Spirit, marking a fresh start after a mixed 2026 WNBA season. The former Iowa guard transitioned from stints with Golden State Valkyries, Los Angeles Sparks, and a development deal with Chicago Sky, eventually signing with Bendigo Spirit for the remainder of the 2026-27 season. Martin's WNBL debut was a comfortable one, as she contributed to a dominant 97-70 victory over Sydney Flames.
She played just over 21 minutes, shooting 2-of-4 from the field, including a three-pointer, to record five points and two rebounds. Martin's performance was highlighted by a game-high plus-26 rating, showcasing her immediate impact without relying on high scoring. Prior to moving to Australia, Martin was known for her role as Caitlin Clark's trusted teammate during Iowa's consecutive national title runs.
As a graduate student in 2023-24, she averaged 13.1 points and 6.8 rebounds. However, her WNBA career has been challenging, indicating that her move to the WNBL is a strategic reset.
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