A’ja Wilson shocked fans and contemporaries when she publicly referred to NBA star Bam Adebayo as her “boyfriend” for the first time this past week.
Wilson completed the best WNBA season ever
Wilson, 29, made the surprising remark during her induction speech at the South Carolina Hall of Fame in Columbia. She had just come off the greatest single season in WNBA history: she became the first player to win the scoring title, the MVP, DPOY, a WNBA championship, and the Finals MVP. She also led the league in blocked shots, was second in rebounds and first in efficiency.
So it was understandable that the Las Vegas Aces megastar was overcome with emotion when as she thanked her parents profusely for “keeping me grounded” and “supporting me.”
A’ja Wilson acknowledges Bam Adebayo specifically
The mood inside the induction hall changed from tears to cheers when Wilson then said, “To my boyfriend.”
Joking, Wilson said, “Even though he went to Kentucky, and you went to that royal blue school, thank you for the constant support, always,” Wilson said while looking directly at Adebayo who was sitting with her parents. “You weren’t there for young A’ja, but your support has always been with me up to this point. So, thank you.”
Statue in front of Colonial Life Arena ☑️
Number retired and jersey hanging inside of Colonial Life Arena ☑️
Member of the University of South Carolina’s Athletic Hall of Fame ☑️
Congratulations, @_ajawilson22 👏
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) October 24, 2025
Fans have speculated about the couple for a while
The rumors about Wilson and Adebayo dating began after they were spotted several times hanging out together in Paris before the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics. He also sat courtside during several of Team USA women’s basketball games. Even though it was obvious to most sports fans they were dating, the couple chose to keep a lid on the relationship and never confirmed the fan and media speculation.
The relationship was officially confirmed when Adebayo and Wilson wore matching Navy blue pinstripe suits to jersey retirement ceremony at the University of South Carolina in February 2025. There, A’ja was also very emotional but lightened the mood when she said, “What a blessing to have those most special to me courtside today, especially my favorite Olympian from out of town,” which she later confirmed to be referencing the Miami Heat center.
A’ja Wilson finally called Bam Adebayo her “boyfriend” during her Hall of Fame induction speech at South Carolina ❤️ Via @chazf_tv on X #ajawilson #bamadebayo #southcarolinawomensbasketball
♬ original sound – WNBA Got Game
Two months after being immortalized in the rafters of the Gamecocks’ arena, Wilson elaborated on her relationship with Adebayo.
“I have an amazing boyfriend who really is my safe space,” she said, according to People magazine. “He’s truly a gift. He’s obviously in the same field, so we bounce off different things with one another to where it’s like, no, we’re not alone. He’s helped me through a lot and welcomed me to be who I’m going to be. I know he’s like, ‘I don’t know what A’ja I’m going to get today, but I’m blessed to be beside her.’”
Soon thereafter, Wilson would periodically appear in public wearing items from Adebayo’s close and dresser drawers, including a Miami Heat warmup shorts and a bright red doo-rag.
Also, after Wilson became the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season in September 2024, Adebayo penned this cute message on X, saying, “Hope everybody finds A’thousand reasons to smile on this lovely Sunday.”