Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Exciting Kate Martin News Emerges on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 12:06 AM ET

The Golden State Valkyries have stunned much of the WNBA community in their first season as an official franchise.

During the 2025 offseason, Golden State selected its roster with an expansion draft.

One of the key additions to the Valkyries roster, whom they selected from the Las Vegas Aces, was Kate Martin. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star is currently playing in her first season with Golden State and second season in the WNBA.

On Saturday, Martin took to social media to reveal her official partnership with Rakuten, a Japanese technology conglomerate based in Tokyo.

Martin explained that her partnership with Rakuten will include details on her pregame tunnel outfits, giving fans a glimpse of one of her looks in her latest post.

"Excited to share I’m teaming up with Rakuten throughout the season to share my pregame tunnel looks," Martin said. "Check out my IG story to shop the look from last night’s game at Saks with Rakuten and score Cash Back."

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A post shared by Kate Martin (@katemartin)

Kate Martin has built a strong following on social media over the past several years, leading to off-court opportunities like this partnership with Rakuten.

She was widely regarded as one of the most popular players in the college landscape before her time with the WNBA.

Martin played five seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, competing alongside former NCAA star and current Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

Throughout her second season in the WNBA, Kate Martin has posted 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game.

The Golden State Valkyries are fresh off an 86-76 victory over Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings on Friday. Martin missed the game against Dallas, but Valkryies head coach Natalie Nakase made it clear that there is no injury concern with the Golden State guard.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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