As A\u2019ja Wilson delivered her induction speech at the South Carolina Gamecocks Hall of Fame ceremony last Thursday in Columbia, S.C., she paused before thanking someone special \u2014 someone fans had long suspected to be romantically involved with the Las Vegas Aces star and reigning WNBA MVP, but whom she had never named in public.<\/p>\n
To hear her say it \u2014 loud and clear, onstage, in front of a crowd \u2014 sent the internet into a frenzy.<\/p>\n
She smiled at the audience, then finally addressed Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo, who attended the event, with a title the two had tiptoed around for nearly a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo my boyfriend,\u201d Wilson began, then paused as the room filled with laughter and applause. \u201cEven though you went to Ken-yucky, and you went to that royal blue school, thank you for the constant support, always. You weren\u2019t there for the young A\u2019ja, but your support has been unwavering up to this point. So, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis honor is for you as well.\u201d <\/p>\n
An emotional A\u2019ja Wilson thanks her parents as she gives her Hall of Fame speech! <\/p>\n
She also has a shoutout for her \u201cboyfriend\u201d Bam \ud83d\udc40\ud83c\udfc0@abc_columbia<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/a83S0bw020<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Chaz R Frazier (@Chazf_tv) October 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Wilson and Adebayo\u2019s connection gained attention during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where both players helped deliver gold for Team USA in men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball. Still, even after appearing together at several public outings \u2014 and despite months of heavy speculation \u2014 the pair remained coy when asked about their relationship.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, the University of South Carolina retired Wilson\u2019s No. 22 jersey to honor her decorated career at the school. Over Wilson\u2019s four seasons in Columbia, she led the Gamecocks to a national championship in 2017, made first-team All-America three times, and was named the AP\u2019s Player of the Year in 2018. At the jersey retirement, she again thanked those who helped shape her journey. Adebayo was in attendance, and he was thanked \u2014 though not expressly by name.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be who I am today without the love, support and sacrifices of so many people,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd what a blessing to have those most special to me courtside \u2014 especially my favorite Olympian from out of town.\u201d<\/p>\n Even after Wilson\u2019s public \u201cboyfriend\u201d reveal, Adebayo wasn\u2019t quite ready to drop the act. For over a year, the two deflected speculation with inside jokes and knowing smiles. During the Heat\u2019s Oct. 24 media availability<\/a>, the Miami big man was asked about Wilson calling him her \u201cboyfriend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know where that came from,\u201d he said with a grin. \u201cI\u2019m just the favorite Olympian. But great to be recognized behind the scenes, and I just keep doing what I do behind the scenes.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the playful denials, the couple\u2019s support for each other has long been apparent. Adebayo joined WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert in presenting Wilson<\/a> her fourth MVP<\/a> trophy this month \u2014 a tear-filled moment that went viral.<\/p>\n Days later, after the Aces completed a sweep of the Phoenix Mercury<\/a> to clinch the franchise\u2019s third title in four years, Wilson was seen embracing Adebayo courtside.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for believing in me, baby,\u201d she said<\/a> through tears.<\/p>\n Since the public took interest in the duo\u2019s relationship in the summer of 2024, Wilson has been spotted warming up in Miami Heat practice sweats, and Adebayo has worn Wilson\u2019s signature shoe \u2014 the Nike A\u2019One \u2014 during Heat games.<\/p>\n Now, after a year of sidesteps and subtle nods, Wilson made it official.<\/p>\n