For months, fans of A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo have been piecing together hints, emojis, and subtle posts, convinced that something more than friendship was brewing between two of basketball’s brightest stars.
Now, the Las Vegas Aces MVP has finally confirmed it: she’s in a relationship with the Miami Heat forward, ending one of the sport’s most persistent off-court mysteries.
The revelation didn’t come through a dramatic Instagram post or red-carpet debut.
Instead, Wilson dropped the confirmation in her typically composed, understated fashion, during an interview where she discussed her Valentine’s Day plans.
Speaking at NBA All-Star Weekend, she smiled as she admitted that her “NBA All-Star” valentine couldn’t be with her that day because he was “getting the rest he needs.” It didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots.
Who is Bam Adebayo?
Adebayo, 27, has been a cornerstone of the Heat since 2017 and an Olympic gold medalist with Team USA.
Wilson, 28, has become the face of the WNBA, collecting MVP trophies and championships while elevating the profile of women’s basketball.
Together, they form what many fans have dubbed a “superteam couple,” balancing fame, elite performance, and the shared experience of being among the best at what they do.
Their relationship had been whispered about since the summer of 2024, when the two were spotted together at the Paris Olympics.
For months, both remained silent, letting their actions and playful interactions on social media speak for themselves.
One of the most memorable moments came in early 2025, when the Miami Heat’s official account shared photos of Adebayo shortly after Wilson referred to her “favorite Olympian from out of town” during her jersey retirement ceremony at South Carolina.
It was the confirmation fans had been waiting for, even if neither had said the words outright.
In a later interview with Elle, Wilson explained that the decision to reference Adebayo publicly was deliberate but deeply personal.
“The beautiful thing about our relationship and our bond is that we’re very aware of things,” she said.
“We know how to navigate through a lot of different moments and never shy from them, but also make sure that we uplift each other.”
She went on to describe how Adebayo’s quiet support has been a constant source of strength.
“Because of that favorite Olympian, you see the best of me,” Wilson said. “Because of the care and support that not a lot of people see all the time. If I didn’t recognize my special Olympian, he wouldn’t get his flowers.”
How the couple went public without saying a word
Long before they made things official, Adebayo had already gained a reputation for playfully trolling Wilson online, usually at her expense. After one off night during the Aces’ season, he tweeted, “Keep building today, brick by brick.”
When Wilson shattered the WNBA single-season scoring record, he posted a simple, knowing word: “U’nanimous.”
That same humor has become a hallmark of their relationship. When Wilson showed up courtside in a zebra-print outfit, Adebayo immediately posted “Big steppa,” complete with a zebra GIF, on Threads.
The exchange went viral, with fans calling it the perfect blend of affection and teasing that only a couple completely comfortable with each other could pull off.
But behind the jokes is genuine admiration. Adebayo has frequently shown public support for Wilson’s accomplishments, whether it’s celebrating her MVP wins or cheering her on from afar.
When she made history as the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season, he posted, “Hope everybody finds A’thousand reasons to smile on this lovely Sunday.”
Wilson, for her part, has also returned the favor. In September 2024, she attended Adebayo’s Miami-Dade County ceremony, where he was presented with a key to the city following his Olympic gold medal triumph.
During the event, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava even acknowledged Wilson’s presence, saying, “A’ja Wilson, she won gold in women’s basketball. I guess that has something to do with Bam and the Heat being here today.”
Built on friendship and mutual respect
Though the relationship may appear glamorous, Wilson has emphasized that its foundation is far simpler: friendship.
“We’ve known each other for years,” she told People. That history, she said, helped them build a bond grounded in trust rather than spotlight.
That connection was on display earlier this year when Adebayo laced up Wilson’s new Nike A’One sneakers during a Heat game.
“It was super dope,” Wilson said. “If I have to put it out in the NBA, why not have someone like Bam Adebayo, who’s just a good person all around, to kind of showcase my shoes?”
Their shared success has made them one of basketball’s most recognizable couples, but both have made clear that they value their private lives as much as their professional ones.
As Wilson put it, “I could get back to just being his person. That’s such a gift.”
For now, Wilson is chasing another WNBA title with the Aces, and Adebayo is locked in on helping the Heat make another deep playoff run.
But even as they dominate on different courts, their quiet partnership, built on humor, respect, and unspoken understanding, might just be the most inspiring story in basketball right now.
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