Martin’s current rookie contract with the Aces earns her $64,154 this season, the league minimum according to Spotrac. In contrast, the maximum salary for a WNBA player is $241,984 per season. Given the significant pay gap between the WNBA and NBA, many WNBA players often seek additional income during the offseason. Gyamfi touched on this issue during the podcast, humorously comparing Martin’s situation to NBA superstar LeBron James working at Target in Los Angeles. Martin acknowledged the disparity in earnings and then hinted at her future plans by stating she wouldn’t be taking on another job but would instead be involved in “another basketball job” before trailing off, leaving fans curious.
This vague statement has led to widespread speculation that Martin may be considering joining the upcoming “Unrivaled” league, a new 3×3 women’s basketball league set to debut in January 2025. The league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, promises to be an exciting new venture in women’s basketball. The “Unrivaled” league will consist of six teams, each with five players, and the average salary is expected to be around $250,000 per season, a substantial increase compared to the WNBA, especially for rookies like Martin.
Although neither the league nor Martin has confirmed her involvement, her comments about a new basketball job have fueled speculation. The league has already attracted some of the biggest names in women’s basketball, including Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings, Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury, UConn star Paige Bueckers, and Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese.
Despite being a rookie, Martin has quickly become a fan favorite, both on the court and in the locker room. In her first season, she is averaging 3.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 14.3 minutes per game. Her unexpected popularity is highlighted by her being one of the top 36 vote-getters for the 2024 WNBA All-Star game, a fact that surprised even Martin herself. She expressed gratitude for the support from fans, admitting that she hadn’t anticipated having such a following. Their cheers give her a confidence boost, making her feel appreciated and valued.
Martin did face a setback when she suffered a lower leg injury during a game against the Chicago Sky just before the All-Star break. However, the injury, identified as a bruised Achilles tendon, is not expected to end her season. Her father confirmed that she should be able to return to the court later in the season.
As fans eagerly await Martin’s next move, her hints at a new basketball opportunity have only added to the anticipation surrounding her promising career. Whether she joins the “Unrivaled” league or pursues another path, Martin’s future in basketball seems bright.
Martin’s current rookie contract with the Aces earns her $64,154 this season, the league minimum according to Spotrac. In contrast, the maximum salary for a WNBA player is $241,984 per season. Given the significant pay gap between the WNBA and NBA, many WNBA players often seek additional income during the offseason. Gyamfi touched on this issue during the podcast, humorously comparing Martin’s situation to NBA superstar LeBron James working at Target in Los Angeles. Martin acknowledged the disparity in earnings and then hinted at her future plans by stating she wouldn’t be taking on another job but would instead be involved in “another basketball job” before trailing off, leaving fans curious.
This vague statement has led to widespread speculation that Martin may be considering joining the upcoming “Unrivaled” league, a new 3×3 women’s basketball league set to debut in January 2025. The league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, promises to be an exciting new venture in women’s basketball. The “Unrivaled” league will consist of six teams, each with five players, and the average salary is expected to be around $250,000 per season, a substantial increase compared to the WNBA, especially for rookies like Martin.
Although neither the league nor Martin has confirmed her involvement, her comments about a new basketball job have fueled speculation. The league has already attracted some of the biggest names in women’s basketball, including Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings, Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury, UConn star Paige Bueckers, and Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese.
Despite being a rookie, Martin has quickly become a fan favorite, both on the court and in the locker room. In her first season, she is averaging 3.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 14.3 minutes per game. Her unexpected popularity is highlighted by her being one of the top 36 vote-getters for the 2024 WNBA All-Star game, a fact that surprised even Martin herself. She expressed gratitude for the support from fans, admitting that she hadn’t anticipated having such a following. Their cheers give her a confidence boost, making her feel appreciated and valued.
Martin did face a setback when she suffered a lower leg injury during a game against the Chicago Sky just before the All-Star break. However, the injury, identified as a bruised Achilles tendon, is not expected to end her season. Her father confirmed that she should be able to return to the court later in the season.
As fans eagerly await Martin’s next move, her hints at a new basketball opportunity have only added to the anticipation surrounding her promising career. Whether she joins the “Unrivaled” league or pursues another path, Martin’s future in basketball seems bright.
