A New Chapter in Australia
Former Iowa basketball standout Kate Martin has officially committed to joining the Bendigo Spirit in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). The move, confirmed on November 10, 2026, marks a significant shift for the guard as she seeks to establish professional stability following a highly volatile year in the United States. Martin is slated to join the team as a replacement player for Abbey Wehrung, with the transaction currently awaiting final league approval, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
This transition follows a challenging 2026 campaign in the WNBA, during which Martin navigated stints with three different franchises. Her season began with the Golden State Valkyries, followed by a three-month tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks, and concluded with a brief developmental role with the Chicago Sky. Furthermore, a planned engagement in the Unrivaled league was cut short after a mutual contract termination, leaving the former Hawkeye in search of a consistent playing environment. The accumulation of these rapid professional adjustments has necessitated a fresh start in an international setting where she can secure meaningful court time.
Turning Around the Spirit
The Bendigo Spirit enters this acquisition at a critical juncture, currently sitting at the bottom of the WNBL standings with a 0-5 record. Team management is banking on Martin’s experience at the highest levels of American basketball to revitalize their roster. Dan Jackson, general manager of the Bendigo Spirit, emphasized that Martin brings more than just technical skill; she brings a high basketball IQ and a proven track record as a leader. Her reputation as an adaptable player who has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the sport is expected to bolster the team’s morale during this difficult stretch.
“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 stated. “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.”
Martin expressed enthusiasm regarding the move, noting that she is eager to adapt to the standard of play in the WNBL and contribute to a successful team culture. “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,” she remarked. Her arrival marks the second time in recent years that a former Iowa player has looked to the Australian league to further her career, following Lucy Olsen’s championship run with the Townsville Fire last season. For Martin, the priority remains finding a consistent rhythm and making a tangible impact on a struggling team as the season progresses. The move to Australia represents a deliberate step toward long-term professional development and the pursuit of competitive success in a league known for its rigorous standards and high-level talent development.