Kate Martin Joins Bendigo Spirit in Major WNBL Move as Abbey Wehrung Steps Away
The Bendigo Spirit have secured an exciting addition to their roster, with WNBA guard Kate Martin committing to the Australian club for the remainder of the 2026–27 Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season. The move is pending official league approval and will see the American basketball star take the place of Abbey Wehrung, who will miss the remainder of the campaign.
Martin’s arrival brings valuable professional experience, versatility and a fresh boost to a Bendigo side looking to strengthen its position as the season progresses. At 26, Martin is an intriguing new addition to the Spirit’s lineup.
The signing also represents an opportunity for Martin to embrace a new challenge outside the WNBA while continuing to develop her professional career on an international stage.
A new chapter in Australia
Martin is expected to arrive in Australia on Friday, November 13, before joining her new teammates and beginning the transition into the WNBL.
The former University of Iowa standout has built a reputation as a committed teammate who can contribute in several areas. Her game combines defensive effort, perimeter shooting and an understanding of how to make herself useful within a team structure. Those qualities could be particularly valuable for Bendigo as it works through the demands of a long season.
Martin’s professional journey has included stops with the Las Vegas Aces, Golden State Valkyries, Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky. The Aces selected her with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, giving her an opportunity to begin her professional career in one of the league’s established programs. She later moved to Golden State for the franchise’s inaugural season before continuing her career with other WNBA teams.
Her time at Iowa remains an important part of her basketball story. Martin played alongside Caitlin Clark and helped the Hawkeyes reach consecutive NCAA championship games in 2023 and 2024.
What Martin could bring to Bendigo
Bendigo Spirit general manager Dan Jackson has described the signing as an important addition, pointing to Martin’s competitiveness, defensive ability, outside shooting and basketball intelligence. He also highlighted her leadership and willingness to take on whatever role the team requires.
That flexibility may matter as Martin settles into a group with its own established playing style. Rather than relying on one particular skill, she can look for ways to help at both ends of the floor. Her ability to defend, space the court and make smart decisions could give the coaching staff another option in the backcourt.
For Martin, the move offers a chance to play meaningful basketball in a new setting. The WNBL provides a competitive environment and an opportunity to test herself against unfamiliar opponents. A strong run in Australia could also help her maintain momentum and keep building her professional résumé.
A significant change for Abbey Wehrung
The roster move follows the announcement that Abbey Wehrung and her fiancé, Daniel, are expecting their first child. The news means Wehrung will step away from the court for the rest of WNBL27, with her final appearance coming in Round Four against Canberra.
Wehrung has been an important figure in Bendigo’s program, contributing through her experience, defensive work and leadership. Her absence leaves a place to fill, but the club has made clear that its support is firmly behind her and her growing family. Martin’s commitment gives the Spirit an experienced replacement while allowing Wehrung to focus on this major personal milestone.
Looking ahead
There will naturally be interest in how quickly Martin adapts and what her role becomes once she joins the squad. League approval remains the final step before the commitment is official, and her arrival will give supporters their first opportunity to see how she fits into the group.
The signing is more than a change on the team sheet. It brings a player with WNBA and high-level college experience into the Australian competition, while offering Martin a fresh setting in which to compete. If she can translate her defensive intensity, shooting and team-first approach to the WNBL, she could become a valuable presence for Bendigo during the remainder of the season.
