The new Unrivaled League has been steadily unveiling its roster, with many fans eagerly anticipating each announcement. However, a recent addition, Kate Martin, has sparked a whirlwind of discussion among followers. While many fans anticipated Martin’s involvement in Unrivaled due to prior hints, her formal inclusion has raised eyebrows due to her unexpected popularity despite not ranking among the WNBA’s top players.
Known more for her connection to Caitlin Clark than for her individual stats, Martin isn’t typically seen as one of the league’s elite players. Statistically, she doesn’t crack the top 100 in the WNBA, but her popularity speaks for itself. Martin’s fan base, largely from Iowa and fueled by her connection to Clark, has propelled her to higher jersey sales than some of the league’s best, even outpacing big names like A’ja Wilson. Given this unique fan draw, it’s clear that Martin’s inclusion could be more about appeal and viewership potential than performance ranking. Her All-Star voting numbers also reflect this trend, landing her in the top 15 despite not being one of the league’s statistical leaders.
In recent interviews, Martin hinted that she was involved in an upcoming basketball project, which some fans quickly linked to Unrivaled’s roster announcements. However, some fans believe Martin’s involvement could be a subtle lure to convince Caitlin Clark herself to join Unrivaled, although there are no concrete signs Clark will play in the league. Many fans speculate that Clark’s absence from Unrivaled so far is intentional and that Martin’s involvement could serve as a “fan bridge” for Clark enthusiasts.
Martin’s skills are also well-suited for Unrivaled’s 3-on-3 game format, bringing versatility to the league since she can play various positions on the court. Her ability to adapt has made her a valuable addition to the roster, and the increased playing time she’ll receive is likely to draw her Iowa fans. While not in the WNBA’s top tier, Martin’s game will still captivate viewers who have closely followed her journey from college to the pros.
The next mystery lies in the Unrivaled League’s remaining three roster spots. Fans speculate that one spot may be reserved for another rookie, while others hope for seasoned stars like Diana Taurasi to join. The league’s notable absence of certain top players, like the Aces’ A’ja Wilson, has fueled rumors of further surprise announcements. Given that five of Wilson’s Aces teammates have been confirmed, fans are now wondering if another Ace will take the final spot.
Interestingly, if the league has approached Clark about joining, her rivalry with another potential roster candidate, Jacy Sheldon, might influence the decision. Fans of the two players recall the heated rivalry that began with viral TikTok debates over who was the better player, adding another layer to Unrivaled’s already high-stakes roster announcements.
With only a few spots left, Unrivaled’s final roster decisions are bound to captivate fans further, sparking debate over potential players and what they’ll bring to the court. As fans anticipate the league’s remaining announcements, it’s clear that Unrivaled has already found a winning formula by blending fan engagement with roster surprises.
