A\u2019ja Wilson shocked fans and contemporaries when she publicly referred to NBA star Bam Adebayo as her \u201cboyfriend\u201d for the first time this past week.<\/p>\n
Wilson completed the best WNBA season ever<\/p>\n
Wilson, 29, made the surprising remark during her induction speech at the South Carolina Hall of Fame in Columbia. She had just come off\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
So it was understandable that the Las Vegas Aces megastar was overcome with emotion when as she thanked her parents profusely for \u201ckeeping me grounded\u201d and \u201csupporting me.\u201d<\/p>\n
A\u2019ja Wilson acknowledges Bam Adebayo specifically<\/p>\n
The mood inside the induction hall changed from tears to cheers when Wilson\u00a0 then said, \u201cTo my boyfriend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joking, Wilson said, \u201cEven though he went to Kentucky, and you went to that royal blue school, thank you for the constant support, always,\u201d Wilson said while looking directly at Adebayo who was sitting with her parents. \u201cYou weren\u2019t there for young A\u2019ja, but your support has always been with me up to this point. So, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Statue in front of Colonial Life Arena \u2611\ufe0f<\/p>\n
Number retired and jersey hanging inside of Colonial Life Arena \u2611\ufe0f<\/p>\n
Member of the University of South Carolina\u2019s Athletic Hall of Fame \u2611\ufe0f<\/p>\n
Congratulations, @_ajawilson22<\/a> \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/OXRtB7t8Ad<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) October 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Fans have speculated about the couple for a while<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019ja was also very emotional but lightened the mood when she said, \u201cWhat a blessing to have those most special to me courtside today, especially my favorite Olympian from out of town,\u201d which she later confirmed to be referencing the Miami Heat center.<\/p>\n @wnbagotgame<\/a> <\/p>\n A\u2019ja Wilson finally called Bam Adebayo her \u201cboyfriend\u201d during her Hall of Fame induction speech at South Carolina \u2764\ufe0f Via @chazf_tv on X #ajawilson<\/a> #bamadebayo<\/a> #southcarolinawomensbasketball<\/a> <\/p>\n