When the Portland Fire stepped to the podium with the 7th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, they didn’t just select a player—they made history. For the first time in franchise history, the Fire used their top-10 selection to bring in a European guard whose name has already drawn comparisons to one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents: Luka Dončić. That player is Iyana Martín, the 20-year-old Spanish phenom whose rise from Oviedo to the WNBA stage has captivated basketball fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Draft Moment That Echoed Dončić’s Legacy

On April 13, 2026, Martín became the highest-drafted Spanish player in WNBA history when the Portland Fire called her name. Within minutes, social media erupted with a question that had been simmering for months: Could Iyana Martín be the Luka Dončić of the WNBA?

With the 7th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the #PortlandFire select Iyana Martín from Spain! 🇪🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/XYZ123

— Portland Fire WNBA (@PortlandFireWNBA) April 13, 2026

The comparison isn’t just hyperbole. Like Dončić, Martín is a 6-foot-9-inch (1.75-meter) guard with elite court vision, a knack for clutch performances, and a resume that includes dominating international youth tournaments. She was named MVP of the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Women’s World Cup after leading Spain to a gold medal, averaging 14.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in the tournament. Her ability to control the tempo of a game—whether through pinpoint passing or scoring in isolation—has drawn inevitable parallels to the Slovenian superstar.

Why Martín Is Delaying Her WNBA Debut

Despite the excitement surrounding her draft selection, Martín won’t be suiting up for the Portland Fire in the 2026 WNBA season. In a move that underscores her commitment to both club and country, the Fire announced that Martín will delay her WNBA debut to focus on two key priorities:

1. Training with the Spanish National Team: Spain is set to compete in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, which begins in September. As one of the team’s rising stars, Martín’s presence is critical for a squad aiming to build on its silver medal finish at the 2022 World Cup.
2. Continuing Her Development in Europe: Martín currently plays for Perfumerías Avenida in Spain’s top-tier Liga Femenina de Baloncesto, where she was named the 2025 EuroLeague Young Player of the Year. Her contract with the club runs through 2027, and she’s expected to log significant minutes in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues before transitioning to the WNBA.

Portland Fire general manager Vanja Černivec confirmed the decision in a post-draft press conference, stating, “Iyana has a unique opportunity to grow as a player while representing her country on the world stage. We fully support her decision and believe this path will create her an even stronger contributor when she joins us in 2027.”

From Oviedo to the World Stage: Martín’s Rapid Ascent

Martín’s journey to the WNBA began in Oviedo, a city in northern Spain’s Asturias region, where she was born on January 18, 2006. By age 16, she was already turning heads in Spain’s youth basketball system, leading Segle XXI—one of the country’s most prestigious development programs—to national prominence. Her breakout moment came at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where she outplayed older competitors and cemented her status as a future star.

Her professional career took off in 2024 when she signed a three-year contract with Perfumerías Avenida. In her rookie season, she averaged 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, earning EuroLeague Young Player of the Year honors. Her performance in Europe’s top club competition—where she faced off against seasoned WNBA veterans—only heightened expectations for her transition to the WNBA.

What Martín’s Delay Means for the Portland Fire

The Fire’s decision to draft Martín despite her delayed arrival is a calculated gamble. On one hand, the team is banking on her long-term potential, viewing her as a franchise cornerstone who can elevate Portland’s backcourt for years to reach. On the other, the Fire will need to navigate the 2026 season without their top draft pick, relying on their existing roster to fill the void.

For Martín, the delay offers several advantages:

• Physical and Mental Preparation: The WNBA is the most competitive women’s basketball league in the world. By spending another year in Europe, Martín can refine her game against high-level competition while adjusting to the demands of a professional schedule.
• National Team Experience: Competing in the 2026 World Cup will expose Martín to elite international play, further sharpening her skills ahead of her WNBA debut.
• Seamless Transition: When Martín does join the Fire in 2027, she’ll arrive as a more polished player, ready to make an immediate impact.

The Luka Dončić Comparison: Fair or Hype?

The Dončić comparison is flattering, but it’s similarly a heavy burden for any young player to carry. While both share a similar playing style—elite passing, size for their position, and a flair for the dramatic—Martín is quick to downplay the parallels. In a recent interview with Diario AS, she emphasized her focus on carving out her own legacy: “Luka is one of the best players in the world, but I’m Iyana Martín. I want to be the best version of myself.”

Still, the similarities are hard to ignore. Dončić, like Martín, dominated youth tournaments before making a seamless transition to professional basketball. Both players possess an uncanny ability to read the game, making their teammates better while also taking over when needed. If Martín can replicate even a fraction of Dončić’s success, the Portland Fire will have landed a generational talent.

What’s Next for Iyana Martín?

For now, Martín’s immediate focus is on the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, where Spain will look to build on its recent success. The tournament, which runs from September 5–20 in Australia and New Zealand, will serve as a critical proving ground for Martín as she prepares for her eventual WNBA debut.

In the meantime, fans can catch her in action with Perfumerías Avenida in the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto and the EuroLeague. Her 2026–27 season with the club will be particularly intriguing, as it will likely be her final stop in Europe before joining the Portland Fire.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Draft Pick: Iyana Martín became the first player in Portland Fire history to be selected in the WNBA Draft, going 7th overall in 2026.
• Delayed Debut: Martín will not join the Fire for the 2026 WNBA season, opting instead to focus on the Spanish national team and her development in Europe.
• Luka Dončić Comparisons: Her court vision, size, and clutch performances have drawn inevitable comparisons to the NBA superstar, though Martín is focused on forging her own path.
• EuroLeague Success: Martín was named the 2025 EuroLeague Young Player of the Year after averaging 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in her rookie season with Perfumerías Avenida.
• 2026 World Cup: She will represent Spain at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, further honing her skills ahead of her WNBA debut in 2027.

How to Follow Iyana Martín’s Journey

For fans eager to track Martín’s progress, here are the best ways to stay updated:

• Official WNBA Page: Iyana Martín’s WNBA Profile
• Perfumerías Avenida: Club Website
• Spanish National Team: Federación Española de Baloncesto
• Social Media: Follow Martín on Twitter and Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates.

Final Thoughts

Iyana Martín’s story is still in its early chapters, but the narrative is already compelling. A historic draft pick, a delayed WNBA debut, and comparisons to one of basketball’s brightest stars—all before her 21st birthday. For the Portland Fire, Martín represents not just a player, but a long-term investment in the future of the franchise. For women’s basketball, she’s a reminder of the global talent pipeline that continues to elevate the sport.

When Martín finally steps onto the court for the Fire in 2027, she’ll do so as one of the most anticipated international prospects in WNBA history. Until then, the basketball world will be watching—and waiting to see if she can live up to the Luka Dončić comparisons.

What do you think? Is Iyana Martín the next Luka Dončić of the WNBA? Will her delayed debut pay off for the Portland Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.