WNBA standout Kate Martin is currently in a relationship with Claire Gransee. The couple, who first met during their shared years at the University of Iowa, publicly confirmed their romance in June 2024. While Martin has quickly become a fan favorite in the professional basketball world—earning the nickname "Money Martin"—her relationship with Gransee has captured the hearts of followers who appreciate the grounded, supportive nature of their bond.

The connection between the two women is rooted in their time as Iowa Hawkeyes. As Martin rose to national prominence as a cornerstone of the Iowa women’s basketball team, Gransee was carving out her own path as a high-achieving student and campus leader. Today, they balance the high-pressure environment of professional sports with the realities of a long-distance relationship spanning from the West Coast to New England.

The Public Reveal and Social Media Milestones

Kate Martin and Claire Gransee chose to share their relationship with the public in the early summer of 2024, just as Martin began her rookie season in the WNBA. The confirmation came through a series of subtle yet clear social media interactions that resonated deeply with the WNBA’s growing fanbase.

On June 23, 2024, Gransee shared a mirror selfie featuring both her and Martin on her Instagram Stories. The caption, "switched coasts for the weekend," hinted at the significant travel involved in maintaining their connection. The following day, Martin all but officially confirmed the status of their relationship on TikTok. In response to a fan’s video praising Gransee’s appearance, Martin commented, "She is gorgeous, stunning & perfect, I can’t lie," adding in another instance, "I'm a lucky girl."

These interactions marked a shift from private dating to public partnership. Since then, the couple has been open about their affection, frequently commenting on each other’s posts and sharing snippets of their lives together during the WNBA’s demanding schedule and the league’s breaks.

Who is Claire Gransee?

While many know Claire Gransee as Kate Martin’s partner, she is a professional and academic achiever in her own right. Like Martin, Gransee is a proud alumna of the University of Iowa, a shared background that serves as a cornerstone of their relationship.

Academic Excellence at the University of Iowa

Gransee graduated from Iowa in May 2024 with distinction. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, complemented by minors in Law and News & Media Literacy. Her time at the university was characterized by active involvement in campus organizations. Most notably, she served as the director of operations for the GH Foundation, a student-led initiative focused on destigmatizing conversations around gastro-health.

Her collegiate experience also included international exposure. In the spring of 2023, Gransee studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland. During her time there, she worked as a human resources intern for the National Concert Hall of Ireland, a role that laid the professional groundwork for her current career path.

Professional Career in Human Resources

Following her graduation, Gransee transitioned into the corporate world. She initially secured a position as a staff consultant at Beacon Hill Technologies. By November 2024, she had moved into a role as a Human Resources Associate at Publicis Sapient, a prominent digital business transformation firm based in Boston.

Her relocation to Boston was a significant move, as she had expressed that the city had been a "dream destination" for her professional start. This career choice, however, placed her on the opposite side of the country from Martin’s primary playing locations, setting the stage for their current long-distance dynamic.

Navigating a Long-Distance Pro Basketball Lifestyle

One of the most compelling aspects of the relationship between Kate Martin and Claire Gransee is how they manage the geographical distance and the rigorous schedule of the WNBA.

From Las Vegas to San Francisco

During Martin’s rookie season, she played for the Las Vegas Aces, where she defied the odds as a second-round pick to make the final roster and become a key rotation player. During this time, Gransee was seen traveling to various arenas to support Martin, including making appearances at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut when the Aces faced the Sun.

The dynamic of their relationship saw a new geographical shift in December 2024. During the WNBA Expansion Draft, the newly formed Golden State Valkyries selected Martin. This move required Martin to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area for the 2025 season. Despite the move from the desert to the bay, the distance from Boston remained a constant factor.

Offseason Connection and Unrivaled

The WNBA offseason does not necessarily mean a break for players of Martin’s caliber. In early 2025, Martin participated in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women's professional basketball league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Based in Miami, the league provided another venue where Gransee was spotted in the stands, cheering on Martin alongside other "WNBA families."

Videos and photos from March 2025 showcased the couple enjoying the scenic views of San Francisco, including walks near the Golden Gate Bridge. These moments of quiet normalcy—beach walks and coffee dates—are frequently highlighted by Gransee on her social media, offering fans a glimpse into how they prioritize quality time amidst their respective careers.

The Cultural Impact of "Money Martin" and Her Personal Life

Kate Martin’s rise to fame is a unique story in women’s basketball. Often referred to as "The Glue" during her time at Iowa, she brought that same selfless, hardworking energy to the professional level. Her popularity is immense; she often receives some of the loudest cheers in WNBA arenas, regardless of whether she is playing at home or away.

Because of this intense fan interest, her relationship with Gransee has been under a respectful spotlight. The WNBA fanbase is known for being highly engaged with the personal stories and identities of players. Martin and Gransee’s relationship is celebrated for its authenticity and the way it mirrors the lives of many young professionals navigating careers and love in their mid-20s.

Martin has touched upon the balance between her public platform and her private life. In interviews, she has mentioned the importance of remaining positive and being a role model while also maintaining a level of privacy that allows her and Gransee to grow as a couple without constant external pressure.

Key Moments in the Martin-Gransee Timeline

To understand the trajectory of their relationship, it is helpful to look at the specific milestones that have been shared publicly:

  • June 2024: The couple goes "Instagram official" during Martin’s rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces.
  • August 2024: During the WNBA Olympic break, the pair spends time together on a "romantic getaway" in a cabin setting, sharing photos of their time away from the court.
  • September 2024: Gransee is seen supporting Martin during the final stretch of the WNBA regular season and into the playoffs.
  • January 2025: Gransee attends the Unrivaled league games in Miami to support Martin’s debut in the 3-on-3 format.
  • March 2025: The couple explores San Francisco together as Martin prepares for her first season with the Golden State Valkyries.
  • June 5, 2025: For Martin’s 25th birthday, Gransee posts a heartfelt photo collage on Instagram, captioned "Birthday chick! Easiest person to celebrate and love!"

Common Questions About Kate Martin and Claire Gransee

How did Kate Martin and Claire Gransee meet?

The two met while attending the University of Iowa. Both were part of the Class of 2024 (though Martin spent six years at the university due to her athletic eligibility). Their shared roots in Iowa City provided the foundation for their relationship before they moved into their respective professional fields.

What is Claire Gransee's profession?

Claire Gransee is a Human Resources professional. As of mid-2025, she works as a Human Resources Associate for Publicis Sapient. Her career is based in Boston, Massachusetts, which requires her to balance her professional responsibilities with frequent travel to see Martin.

Do Kate Martin and Claire Gransee live together?

As of 2025, the couple lives on opposite coasts. Claire Gransee is based in Boston for her HR career, while Kate Martin resides in the San Francisco Bay Area due to her commitment to the Golden State Valkyries. They utilize the WNBA offseason and league breaks to spend extended time together.

How do they handle the fame surrounding the WNBA?

Kate Martin has expressed a desire to stay grounded and private where possible. However, both she and Gransee embrace the community aspect of the WNBA. They frequently interact with fans through social media comments, maintaining a transparent yet healthy boundary between their relationship and the public eye.

Summary of the Relationship

Kate Martin and Claire Gransee represent a modern professional couple navigating the complexities of high-level athletics and corporate careers. Their relationship, built on a shared history at the University of Iowa, has withstood the transition from college life to the professional world and the challenges of a cross-country long-distance arrangement.

As Martin continues her journey as a face of the Golden State Valkyries and a rising star in the WNBA, Gransee remains a steady presence in her life. Whether through heartwarming birthday tributes or sideline appearances at games, their mutual support is a testament to the strength of their bond. For fans of "Money Martin," her relationship with Gransee is more than just a headline—it is a central part of the story of one of basketball's most beloved figures.