Natalija Jokic: Meet the Beautiful Wife of NBA Star Nikola Jokic

NBA superstar Nikola Jokic memorably led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship. Throughout the playoffs, Jokic made multiple clutch plays and also set some impressive records along the way. In the Finals, the Serbian produced dominant performances against the Miami Heat, finishing the series off in 5 games. He was named the Finals MVP for his brilliant performances. With the Nuggets now on top of the world, the spotlight is on their main man Jokic and his family, who he can always count on. The towering center is very close with his family and shared a few emotional moments with them after winning the championship. Notably, this postseason also shed light on the two-time MVP’s interesting ritual to honor his wife.

Who Is Nikola Jokic’s Wife, Natalija Jokic?

Natalija Jokic is a psychologist who is also from the center’s hometown of Sombor, Serbia. Like her husband, Natalija was also an athlete who played volleyball. After graduating high school in Serbia, Natalija moved to the U.S. in 2013 to play college volleyball at Seminole State College in Oklahoma.

She is reportedly one of the major reasons behind The Joker‘s decision to play in the NBA. However, after Jokic joined the Denver Nuggets, she left Seminole State and her volleyball career to join him. In 2018, she reportedly graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver.

When and how did Nikola Jokic and Natalija meet?

Nikola Jokic and Natalija met when they were teenagers in high school. The two have been in a long-term relationship which reportedly started when they were 17 years old. In recent years, Natalija has shared multiple throwback pictures of her and her husband dating as far back as 2012 on social media.

From there on, their love for each other grew with each passing year. After Jokic moved to the U.S. in 2014, Natalija moved with him into the three-bedroom apartment where he was living with his two brothers.

Nikola Jokic and Natalija’s wedding

Natalija and Nikola Jokic continued their relationship in the U.S. as the five-time NBA All-Star moved up the ranks in the league. After over eight years of relationship, the couple got engaged in January 2020. The love birds then tied the knot on October 24, 2020, in Sombor, Serbia in the presence of close friends and family.

Because of the Covid restrictions at the time, the celebrations were at a minimum. However, the Denver Nuggets star and his family celebrated in style. The newlywed couple were seen singing and dancing along with their guests.

Do Nikola Jokic and Natalija have children together?

One year after their marriage, the two-time MVP winner took to social media to announce the couple was expecting their first child together. In September 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Ognjena Jokic. Interestingly, Ognjena means “fiery” in Serbian. The NBA star once opened up about being a father who plays professional basketball.

According to a report from People, he said, “I play 100 games away, I’m not home for 100 days. When I come home, Ognjena is different. Literally in five days, she changes, you know.”

However, Natalija and Ognjena have been ever present on the sidelines this postseason to support Nikola in his efforts to win his first championship. Notably, the center has a couple of rituals to express his love for his wife and daughter. The 28-year-old ties his wedding ring to his shoelaces to honor his relationship with his wife. Also, he has an adorable sign for his daughter, which relates to one of her favorite songs.