Kate Martin, an Iowa star Returning for the 2026 Season of Unrivaled The story of Kate Martin only gets better.
For the 2026 season, the former Iowa Hawkeye—who was renowned for her perseverance, leadership, and steady hand during one of the program’s most exciting periods—will formally return to the Unrivaled league. This is a full-circle moment for fans who witnessed her rise to fame in Iowa City; it’s more than just a roster move.
Legends Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart co-founded the unmatched women’s basketball league, which has swiftly grown into a summer retreat for top players seeking to maintain their skills and make their voices heard. And Martin made a lasting impression on and off the court, as evidenced by her stellar debut season. Her return is about belonging, not just basketball.
Martin has always been more than just statistics and highlight reels, after all. She is the player who sets the ideal screen, dives for loose balls, and celebrates her teammates’ victories as though they were her own. She was a fan favorite at Iowa because of that attitude, which has carried over into her professional career with ease.
Martin made a name for herself at Iowa as the unifying factor. She frequently made the difference when it mattered most, playing with celebrities like Caitlin Clark and Monika Czinano. She never sought attention. Coaches, teammates, and opponents all respected her for her basketball intelligence, communication skills, and work ethic. She is now one of Unrivaled’s most dependable veterans thanks to those same qualities.
Martin displayed the same composure in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting during her debut season of Unrivaled. In the midst of close games, her team maintained a stable presence thanks to her ability to consistently play both defense and offense. Above all, she provided leadership, which immediately appealed to younger players.
In a recent interview, Martin stated, “I’m just excited to compete again.” “Unrivaled is unique because it aims to expand basketball and provide women with a legitimate platform, not just to play the game. As a player, you want the community, the fans, and the energy.
Her comeback coincides with the ongoing rise in popularity of women’s basketball. Unrivaled has been at the center of the game’s renaissance, which has resulted in sold-out WNBA arenas and record-breaking college ratings. Martin’s participation gives an already talented and unique league even more legitimacy.
Her actions are also appropriate given her growing influence outside of the court. Since going professional, Martin has inspired young athletes by demonstrating the value of perseverance and modesty. She is evidence that a leader
