Guard Kate Martin, a fan favorite since joining the WNBA in 2024, will not return to the 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league Unrivaled.
According to ESPN’s Kareem Copeland on Wednesday, Martin and Unrivaled have mutually agreed to terminate her contract. She will not participate in the upcoming season, which is scheduled to tip off in January.
Many social media users reacted to news that Martin is skipping the third season of Unrivaled, with several suggesting that the former Iowa Hawkeyes guard should consider an overseas stint.
“Thank god AB is finally resting, and wow, they told Kate Martin she stinks,” one fan tweeted.
“Kate Martin would be better off playing overseas anyway,” another fan commented.
“Kate Martin needs to go to Australia or Europe. (Kaitlyn) Chen went and came back a lot better,” one fan wrote.
Here are other reactions:
“Kate needs to play overseas for development. Unrivaled isn’t going to help on the big end of her game,” one fan tweeted.
“That’s disappointing to (hear). Hope Kate has something good lined up,” another fan said.
“I think this was Kate’s decision. Alex and Phee know her well, and she signed a multi-year contract. My guess is she’s doing something different for her development (after) this past year,” a fan posted.
Martin played in the first two seasons of Unrivaled. In 2025, she played for Laces BC, averaging 8.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Last season, she suited up for Breeze BC, putting up 6.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 1.2 apg in 13 games.
In August, Unrivaled announced that Martin would return for the 2027 season after signing a multi-year deal.
Kate Martin faces a crucial WNBA offseason
In a statement from Unrivaled, Kate Martin expressed gratitude to the 3-on-3 league and shared her enthusiasm for the future.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Unrivaled for the opportunity to be part of its first two seasons,” Martin 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.”
Following the news of her Unrivaled exit, many fans predicted Martin’s WNBA future would be uncertain. In three seasons, she has struggled to secure consistent playing time and to remain with a team.
This past season, Martin spent time with the Golden State Valkyries, the LA Sparks and the Chicago Sky. However, her one-year development contract with the Sky ended, making her a free agent.
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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
