Caitlin Clark Offers Autograph to Former Teammate Kate Martin After Fortuitous Card Pull

A recent online interaction between WNBA players Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin highlighted their enduring collegiate bond, as a chance discovery during a live social media broadcast led to a notable offer from Clark. Martin, a guard for the Golden State Valkyries, pulled a rookie card of her former Iowa Hawkeyes teammate while opening a box of trading cards on TikTok, prompting Clark to propose signing the collectible.

The event unfolded on Tuesday when Martin, who has recently taken up collecting sports trading cards as a hobby, decided to host a live “box break” for her online followers. During the stream, she was opening a box of Panini Prizm cards from the 2024 season, which featured Clark’s highly sought-after rookie issues. To her surprise, Martin pulled one of Clark’s cards. Her genuine excitement was evident as she gasped before holding the card up for the camera.

“Let’s go,” Martin exclaimed three times. “Caitlin Clark!”

The moment quickly drew the attention of Clark herself, who was apparently watching the live stream. In the comments section of the video, the Indiana Fever star made a simple but significant offer to her friend and former teammate: she would provide a signature for the card. An autograph from Clark would substantially increase the card’s already considerable value, given her stature in the sports memorabilia market.

A Friendship Forged at Iowa

The connection between Clark and Martin dates back to their time as cornerstones of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball program. Together, they led the team to unprecedented national prominence, including back-to-back appearances in the NCAA national championship game. While they ultimately fell short of a title, their electrifying style of play captivated the nation. During this period, Clark shattered numerous NCAA scoring records, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in all of college sports. Martin was a key supporting player and leader on those successful Hawkeyes teams.

Their professional paths diverged following their collegiate careers. Clark was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, selected by the Indiana Fever. Martin was chosen in the second round by the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces.

Diverging Paths in the WNBA

Clark’s entry into the professional ranks was met with immense anticipation. In her rookie season, she made an immediate impact, leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight years. Along the way, she set a new single-season record for assists, solidifying her status as one of the league’s premier talents. However, her second year with the Fever was hampered by injuries, limiting her to just 13 games. Despite her absence, her team demonstrated its depth by advancing to Game 5 of the semifinals.

Martin’s professional journey has followed a different trajectory. She saw very limited playing time with the star-studded Las Vegas Aces during her rookie campaign. An opportunity for a larger role emerged when she was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA expansion draft, positioning her as a foundational piece for the new franchise ahead of its inaugural season.

Clark’s Dominance in the Memorabilia Market

The significance of Martin pulling Clark’s rookie card is amplified by the latter’s record-shattering impact on the sports trading card industry. Clark’s collectibles have commanded historic prices, reflecting her immense popularity and influence on women’s sports. During the 2025 season, a one-of-a-kind autographed rookie card of Clark’s sold at auction for a staggering $660,000.

That sale nearly doubled the previous record for a women’s sports card, which was also held by a Clark collectible. An earlier autographed rookie card had sold for $366,000, underscoring the intense market demand. While the card Martin pulled is a standard base rookie and not a rare autographed parallel, the addition of a direct signature from Clark would make it a uniquely valuable piece of memorabilia connecting the two former teammates. This recent interaction serves as another example of the widespread “Caitlin Clark effect,” where her presence elevates interest and value across every facet of the sport.