If you’ve spent any time on WNBA TikTok or scrolled through the "Money Martin" tag on Twitter, you already know the vibe. Kate Martin isn't just a basketball player. She’s a phenomenon. From her "glue girl" days at the University of Iowa to becoming the surprise breakout star of the Las Vegas Aces—and now a cornerstone for the Golden State Valkyries—her every move is tracked. But for a long time, the biggest question wasn't about her three-point percentage. It was about who she was hugging on the court after games.
Enter Claire Gransee.
The relationship between Kate Martin and Claire Gransee basically broke the internet back in 2024. It wasn't some grand, PR-managed announcement with a People Magazine exclusive. It was a mirror selfie. A few "stunning" comments. A TikTok reply. It felt real because it was real. But being a public couple in the high-stakes world of professional sports isn't exactly easy, especially when you live 3,000 miles apart and one of you is becoming a global icon.
The Iowa Roots You Might’ve Missed
Everyone likes to talk about the "hard launch," but the story actually starts in Iowa City. Both Kate and Claire are University of Iowa alumnae. While Kate was busy helping Caitlin Clark lead the Hawkeyes to back-to-back National Championship games, Claire was crushing it in the classroom.
She wasn't just a student; she was a high-achiever. We're talking about a 3.94 GPA kind of high-achiever. She graduated in May 2024 with a degree in communications and minors in law and news & media literacy. While Kate was headed to Vegas to join the Aces, Claire was headed to Boston to start her career in human resources.
Honestly, that’s where most college romances fizzle out. One person goes to Sin City for the WNBA, the other goes to the East Coast for a corporate job? That’s a recipe for a "it's not you, it's the distance" text. But they didn't do that. Instead, they "switched coasts" for weekends and made it work.
That "Hard Launch" Moment
In June 2024, the rumors finally turned into facts. Claire posted a mirror selfie of the two of them looking incredibly cozy. The caption? "Switched coasts for the weekend."
Then came the TikTok heard 'round the world. A fan posted a video saying they couldn't even be mad that Kate was off the market because the girlfriend was "literally gorgeous." Kate didn't stay quiet. She hopped in the comments and replied: "She is gorgeous, stunning & perfect, I can't lie."
Boom. Official.
Fans immediately latched onto them as the "wholesome" WNBA couple. In a league that often deals with intense scrutiny and occasionally toxic social media discourse, Kate and Claire felt like a breath of fresh air. They were just two people who met in college, loved each other, and were trying to figure out adulting while one of them happened to be a professional athlete.
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When Things Got Complicated: The Valkyries and the Rumor Mill
The end of 2024 brought a massive shift. Kate was picked up by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft. It was a huge career move, but it also meant moving from Las Vegas to the Bay Area.
Claire was right there. Literally.
When Kate was doing her first big interview as a Valkyrie on ESPN, she was sitting in front of a plain white wall. Very professional. Very "I'm a serious athlete." Then Claire posted a TikTok from the back of the room, showing the behind-the-scenes chaos and laughing at her girlfriend’s "serious" face. It was a peak relationship moment.
But then, the internet did what the internet does.
By late 2025, the vibes shifted. People noticed that Kate stopped commenting on Claire’s Instagram posts. Claire posted photos from a trip to Croatia, and while Kate had commented "hurry back to me" in June, by August and September, the silence was deafening. TikTok edits started circulating suggesting a breakup. Some fans even speculated about a romance between Kate and a teammate.
The Reality of Modern Speculation
Here’s the thing about "social media detective" work: it’s often wrong. Just because someone doesn't "like" a photo doesn't mean the relationship is over. However, in the world of Kate Martin and Claire Gransee, social media was how they communicated their love to the public. When that stopped, people naturally assumed the worst.
As of early 2026, the two have remained relatively private about their status. Whether they are navigating a rough patch, choosing to move their relationship entirely offline, or have actually moved on, they haven't given the "official" word. And honestly? They don't owe it to anyone.
Why Their Connection Still Matters to Fans
The fascination with Kate Martin and Claire Gransee isn't just about gossip. It’s about representation and the changing face of the WNBA.
- Authenticity: They didn't hide, but they didn't sell their souls for clicks either.
- The Power of Support: Seeing Claire in the stands during Kate's "Unrivaled" 3x3 games in Miami, sipping wine and "yapping" with friends, showed a relatable side of the WNBA lifestyle.
- Career vs. Life: They represented the struggle many 20-somethings face—trying to build a career (whether in the WNBA or HR in Boston) while keeping a relationship alive.
Navigating the Public Eye: Actionable Lessons
Whether you're a fan of Kate Martin or just someone interested in how public figures manage their personal lives, there are a few things we can take away from how this all played out.
1. Don't over-index on "Likes"
Relationships are lived in the moments between posts. If you're following a public couple, remember that a lack of digital interaction isn't always a sign of a breakup. Sometimes, it’s a sign of a boundary.
2. Support the athlete, not just the "content"
Kate Martin is a phenomenal basketball player. Her value isn't tied to who she is dating. If you're a fan, make sure you're cheering for her defense and her transition play as much as you're checking her Instagram tags.
3. Respect the "Soft Launch" and the "Soft Exit"
If a couple chooses to stop posting together, they are communicating a desire for privacy. The best thing fans can do is give them that space.
Kate Martin and Claire Gransee gave the WNBA community a lot of joy during a transitional year for the league. Whatever the current status of their relationship, their "hard launch" remains one of the most iconic moments in recent Hawkeye history.
To stay updated on Kate’s career with the Valkyries, keep an eye on the official WNBA schedule. To support the league’s growth, consider following the "Unrivaled" 3x3 circuit, where Kate continues to prove she’s more than just a draft-day surprise—she’s a permanent fixture in the game.