For a player who once electrified college basketball alongside Caitlin Clark, the professional road has turned rocky. Kate Martin, the former Iowa standout, now faces a pivotal moment in her career after a series of setbacks that have left her options dwindling.
On Wednesday, Martin and the Unrivaled basketball league announced a mutual termination of her contract, ending a two-season stint with the innovative 3-on-3 league. The decision, while amicable, underscores the challenges that have mounted for the 26-year-old guard.
“We’re grateful for Kate’s contributions to Unrivaled over the past two seasons and the positive impact she’s had on the league and her clubs,” said Unrivaled executive Clare Duwelius. “We wish her all the best and will always celebrate her as one of our inaugural athletes who believed in Unrivaled from day one.”
Martin echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for her time in the league. “I’m incredibly grateful to Unrivaled for the opportunity to be part of its first two seasons,” she said. “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.”
The news arrives after a WNBA season that saw Martin log fewer than 150 minutes on the court. After joining the Chicago Sky on a development contract in September, she appeared in just two games late in the regular season. By the end of 2026, following stints with the Sky and the Los Angeles Sparks, her statistical output had plummeted to career lows across nearly every category.
For a player who was a cornerstone of Iowa’s Final Four runs and a fan favorite for her tenacity and leadership, the current trajectory is sobering. The WNBA, once a seemingly natural destination, now appears increasingly out of reach.
Yet the broader basketball world still offers avenues. Overseas leagues, always eager to welcome players of Martin’s pedigree, could provide a fresh start. Additionally, the newly-formed UpShot League, currently in its inaugural season and set to expand to eight teams by 2027, represents an intriguing alternative.
“If Martin wants to continue playing, there are plenty of options,” said one league insider. “The question is whether she wants to remain in the WNBA, where the door may be closing.”
Martin’s situation is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in professional sports, especially for players who are not marquee names. Her resilience, however, has never been in question. From walking on at Iowa to becoming a key contributor, she has repeatedly defied expectations.
As she navigates this crossroads, one thing is certain: her passion for the game remains undimmed. Whether that passion will find a home in the WNBA or elsewhere is a story that will unfold in the coming months.
