As A’ja 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 — 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.
To hear her say it — loud and clear, onstage, in front of a crowd — sent the internet into a frenzy.
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.
“To my boyfriend,” Wilson began, then paused as the room filled with laughter and applause. “Even though you went to Ken-yucky, and you went to that royal blue school, thank you for the constant support, always. You weren’t there for the young A’ja, but your support has been unwavering up to this point. So, thank you.”
Wilson and Adebayo’s connection gained attention during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where both players helped deliver gold for Team USA in men’s and women’s basketball. Still, even after appearing together at several public outings — and despite months of heavy speculation — the pair remained coy when asked about their relationship.
Earlier this year, the University of South Carolina retired Wilson’s No. 22 jersey to honor her decorated career at the school. Over Wilson’s 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’s 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 — though not expressly by name.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today without the love, support and sacrifices of so many people,” she said. “And what a blessing to have those most special to me courtside — especially my favorite Olympian from out of town.”
Even after Wilson’s public “boyfriend” reveal, Adebayo wasn’t quite ready to drop the act. For over a year, the two deflected speculation with inside jokes and knowing smiles. During the Heat’s Oct. 24 media availability, the Miami big man was asked about Wilson calling him her “boyfriend.”
“I don’t know where that came from,” he said with a grin. “I’m just the favorite Olympian. But great to be recognized behind the scenes, and I just keep doing what I do behind the scenes.”
Despite the playful denials, the couple’s support for each other has long been apparent. Adebayo joined WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert in presenting Wilson her fourth MVP trophy this month — a tear-filled moment that went viral.
Days later, after the Aces completed a sweep of the Phoenix Mercury to clinch the franchise’s third title in four years, Wilson was seen embracing Adebayo courtside.
“Thank you for believing in me, baby,” she said through tears.
Since the public took interest in the duo’s relationship in the summer of 2024, Wilson has been spotted warming up in Miami Heat practice sweats, and Adebayo has worn Wilson’s signature shoe — the Nike A’One — during Heat games.
Now, after a year of sidesteps and subtle nods, Wilson made it official.
