Iyana Martín Departs Perfumerías Avenida: A Generational Talent Sets Sights on World Stage

The era of Iyana Martín in Salamanca has come to a close. The Spanish international point guard officially said goodbye to Perfumerías Avenida this Wednesday, marking the end of a two-year tenure that saw the young star evolve from a promising prospect into one of the most coveted guards in global basketball.

For the fans in Salamanca, the departure is a bittersweet milestone. Martín’s time with the club was defined by a rapid ascent, blending raw athleticism with a sophisticated court vision that often belied her age. Now, the 20-year-old turns her attention toward a dual ambition: leading the Spanish national team on the world stage and eventually launching a professional career in the United States.

The Portland Connection: A Franchise First

While her exit from Spain is the immediate headline, the trajectory of Martín’s career was fundamentally altered on April 13, 2026. In a historic move for the WNBA’s newest expansion efforts, the Portland Fire selected Martín with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

The selection was more than just a high draft slot; it was a franchise milestone. Iyana Martín becomes the first-ever draft pick in the history of the Portland Fire. Fire general manager Vanja Černivec has been candid about her pursuit of the Spanish guard, admitting she had envisioned acquiring Martín as far back as her time with the Golden State Valkyries.

However, the transition to the American league will not be immediate. In a move that prioritizes national duty and personal development, Martín will not join the Fire for the 2026 WNBA season. This decision allows her to remain focused on the Spanish national team’s preparations for the upcoming global cycle.

Prioritizing the 2026 FIBA World Cup

The decision to delay her WNBA debut is a strategic one. Martín is slated to be a cornerstone of the Spanish squad for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, scheduled for September. For a player who has already tasted international success, the opportunity to lead Spain in a World Cup is a non-negotiable priority.

This commitment to the national team is a recurring theme in Martín’s career. She has consistently excelled in high-pressure international environments, most notably serving as the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 FIBA Under-19 World Cup. Her ability to perform under the brightest lights is exactly why the Portland Fire were willing to wait a year for her arrival.

For those unfamiliar with the timing, this means Martín will spend the summer in rigorous training and competition with Spain, effectively using the 2026 offseason as a bridge between her European dominance and her WNBA aspirations.

The Salamanca Legacy: Growth at Perfumerías Avenida

Martín’s journey with Perfumerías Avenida began in earnest on May 16, 2024, when she signed a three-year contract with the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto powerhouse. Though she is departing before the full term of that deal, the impact she left on the club is indelible.

Her rookie season (2024–25) served as her official introduction to the elite levels of European basketball. During that campaign, she averaged 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Her poise and playmaking earned her the prestigious EuroLeague Young Player of the Year award in 2025, signaling to the rest of the world that she was ready for the next level.

By the 2025-26 season, her numbers continued to climb. She averaged 12.5 points and 5 assists per game, proving she could handle the primary ball-handling duties for one of Spain’s most demanding clubs. Her efficiency from the floor—shooting 45.7% overall—and her ability to disrupt opposing offenses made her an indispensable asset in Salamanca.

By the Numbers: The Rise of Iyana Martín

To understand why the Portland Fire and the Spanish national team view Martín as a generational talent, one only needs to look at the hardware and statistics she has accumulated by age 20.

Tactical Impact: What Portland is Getting

From a scouting perspective, Iyana Martín provides the Portland Fire with a “pure” point guard in an era where versatile wings often dominate the draft. Her game is built on a foundation of elite decision-making and a high basketball IQ.

In her recent appearances for Spain—including a notable showing against the United States in Puerto Rico where she tallied six points and six assists in just 17 minutes—Martín demonstrated that she is not intimidated by size or speed. Her ability to penetrate the paint and find open shooters is a skill set that translates seamlessly to the faster, more athletic pace of the WNBA.

For Portland, waiting until 2027 is a small price to pay for a player who enters the league already seasoned by the EuroLeague and the pressures of international championships. She isn’t arriving as a raw rookie, but as a polished professional.

What’s Next for Iyana Martín?

The immediate future for Martín is painted in the red and yellow of the Spanish national team. The road leads directly to the 2026 FIBA World Cup in September, where she will look to cement her status as one of the premier guards in the world.

Following the conclusion of the World Cup, Martín will begin the transition to the United States. Her arrival in Portland in 2027 will mark the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the Fire franchise, as they look to build their culture around a centerpiece with a global pedigree.

Next Confirmed Checkpoint: Iyana Martín will represent Spain in the 2026 FIBA World Cup starting in September 2026.

Do you think waiting until 2027 is the right move for Martín’s development, or should she have jumped to the WNBA immediately? Let us know in the comments below.