Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart are already a hit much before their league’s debut in January 2025. The major reason behind this is the top 10 of 30 spots filled by WNBA standouts. From two-time MVP Arike Ogunbowale to Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, several players already have contracts inked. Still, 20 spots remain. In speculations to fill in one of them? Kate Martin!

“Wait… is there a chance that @kate_martin22 is doing Unrivaled?!?” penned a fan account on X on August 7th. Alongside the note, the user also posted an interview of Martin with the host, Jada Gyamfi on Estela’s Fresh Mex.

“I don’t need to get another job during the off-season, you said no. Like, can you imagine me just working at a local coffee shop?” said Martin, who’s currently enjoying the Olympic break. So not coffee shop for the Iowa star but definitely something to keep her occupied with basketball outside WNBA.

“here’s the thing: I actually, I’m not going to be getting another job, but I will be doing another basketball job,” she added.

That is hint enough for the fans to guess Unrivaled to be Martin’s next stop. For it has been the hottest topic off late in women’s basketball with all its careful considerations and star-studded singings.

The league was designed to offer WNBA players an opportunity to supplement their finances in the off-season, which would otherwise be substituted by overseas games. Set to debut in Jan 2025, Unrivaled will have a reported average salary of $25000. Surely a finer opportunity for Martin, who currently makes $74,261 per annum with the Aces.

More over, mid-July, Martin suffered a bruised tendon that sidelined her for the remainder of the games. The Olympics break might have offered her a chance to recover but it is not clear if the injury will stir clear of hindering her season ahead. If it doesn’t Martin wouldn’t mind some additional minutes on court during her off season.

Of course, we are not the only ones speculating that. Way before us, it was Twitter users who joined the dots and stormed the comment section.

Martin’s fans left fascinating

As Martin did not openly reveal that she’s signing for Unrivaled, fans speculate she’s waiting for the right time. “It could be that because they make special announcements so maybe she does not want to ruin that,” one wrote. After all, she would be joining the likes of Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Cooper, and more.

One user even declared that she might draw in the crowd while Caitlin Clark hasn’t neared the speculations just yet because she has been sufficient financially. “Kate needs the money; CC doesn’t. Kate also will bring more eyes onto it. Smart move getting her, but I still don’t think CC is doing it,” said on X. Since Angel Reese’s arrival on the team, fans are eagerly anticipating Caitlin Clark to join. Not because she’s her arch-rival, but it would bring more viewership. Now, users seem to be estimating the same for Martin.

Well, not everyone is comparing Martin with Clark. Some are even anticipating them joining the league together. “I could see CC saying, I’ll do it if Kate comes…. Ahhh, I would love that!!” wrote another user. Clark and Martin are former Iowa teammates and good friends. Earlier this year, Martin made it to draft night to support her dear friend. Though she ended up getting drafted earlier than expected.

Unrivaled or not, some had other ideas. Speculating her for the off season, one wrote, “As a player or as a coach?” while other expressed, “I hope she works with the coaching staff at Iowa,” They may not all be wrong. Kate Martin has often expressed her desire to become a coach and is also part of the WBCA program. She even showed up at Iowa practice earlier last week to give out some inspiration.

Despite all the claims, Kate Martin is yet to announce her decision with Stewart’s league. Stay tuned to know if she’ll make it or not!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.