Kate Martin's professional basketball journey is going to continue in a new part of the world.
It's been a whirlwind year for the former Iowa guard. She started the WNBA season with the Golden State Valkyries. She was waived in May and joined the Los Angeles Sparks. After spending over three months in LA, Martin was waived again. She proceeded to sign a developmental deal with the Chicago Sky, ultimately appearing in two games with the franchise.
Martin was set to play in Unrivaled, but the two sides came to a mutual contract termination before the season began. After stints with three WNBA teams and a snafu with Unrivaled, Martin now has a new home. She's set to join the Bendigo Spirit as a replacement player. The Spirit play in Australia's Women's
National Basketball League (WNBL).
WNBA star Kate Martin has committed to the Bendigo Spirit as a Rostered Player for Abbey Wehrung, pending League approval 🤩
— WNBL (@WNBL) November 10, 2026
Read more: https://t.co/ssEJ3CuqDR pic.twitter.com/QTfLjMSF5w
“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," Martin said.
Martin's commitment to the club is pending league approval.
“Kate is a fantastic signing for our club and brings a wealth of experience from some of the best basketball environments in the world,” Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson said of Martin.
“She’s a tough competitor, a strong defender and a very capable outside shooter, but what really stands out is her basketball IQ, leadership and willingness to do whatever the team needs. 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."
The Spirit currently sit at the bottom of the WNBL standings with a 0-5 record. They'll hope Martin can bring a spark when she arrives.
Martin will be the second former Hawkeye to play in the WNBL recently. Last year, Lucy Olsen won a championship with the Townsville Fire. Martin and the Spirit will look to do the same as the season progresses. After a long year of constant changes, Martin will hope to find some stability in Australia.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Kate Martin commits to Bendigo Spirit in WNBL
