A difficult WNBA season can leave players searching for the right opportunity to find their footing. For Kate Martin, the 2026 campaign saw multiple roster changes, extremely limited playing time, and another attempt to find a place in the league. Now, after playing for four teams in three years and a contract termination, the former Iowa standout is taking her talents overseas.
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“We’re excited to announce the signing of American guard Kate Martin for the remainder of WNBL27 pending league approval,” WNBL team Bendigo Spirit announced via Instagram.
“Kate joins the Spirit as a replacement player for Abbey Wehrung and arrives in Australia this Friday, November 13. Spirit fans, let’s give Kate a warm welcome! 👋.”
Martin is replacing Wehrung, who announced earlier this week that she and her fiancé Daniel are expecting their first child, and due to the pregnancy, she has to step away from the hardwood this season. Martin herself addressed fans of the team following the announcement.
“Hey, Bendigo fans, Kate Martin here. Just wanted to say how excited I am to join the team. Can’t wait to get out there and see you guys soon,” she said via an Instagram video.
She also added in their press release, “I’m really excited to be joining the Bendigo Spirit and becoming part of such a successful program. I’ve heard great things about the WNBL and the standard of basketball in Australia, so I’m looking forward to challenging myself in a new environment. Bendigo has a really talented group and a strong team culture, and I’m excited to get to work, meet my teammates and hopefully contribute to another successful season.”
This is the latest stop in what has been a turbulent post-Iowa career for Martin. After being selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 draft, she was left unprotected and was picked up by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 expansion draft. Then, at the beginning of the 2026 season, she signed a developmental contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.
She later made the regular roster for the Sparks, becoming the first player to progress from a developmental contract to the active roster in franchise history. However, she was later waived and picked up by the Chicago Sky, where she finished the season.
On top of that, she made a major career move last month. A few weeks ago, Martin reached an agreement with Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 basketball league, to mutually terminate their contract, despite having initially re-signed on a multi-year deal.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Unrivaled for the opportunity to be part of its first two seasons,” Martin said in a statement. “It’s been special to help launch a league that continues to elevate women’s basketball. While I’m excited about what’s on the horizon for me, I’m so thankful for the people, the competition, and the memories I’ve made in Unrivaled.”
She was a part of Breeze BC in the league’s second season, averaging six points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 10.4 minutes across 13 games.
Regardless of the circumstances of Martin’s career, it’s clear that her addition means a lot to the Spirit. The team won the 2024-25 NBL championship and is looking to reach the mountaintop again, something that general manager Dan Jackson believes Martin can help achieve.
“Kate is a fantastic signing for our club and brings a wealth of experience from some of the best basketball environments in the world,” Jackson said.
“She’s played alongside some of the biggest names in the game and has built a reputation as an outstanding teammate, which is something we really value here at Bendigo.”
Martin’s move to Bendigo is now her newest stop on an already lengthy basketball journey and represents a fresh chance to build momentum in her career. Only time will tell how the move turns out.