For months, A’ja Wilson’s relationship with Bam Adebayo has been highly speculated. The rumors started when the two were initially spotted together during Team USA events for the Paris Olympics. It became a little more frequent since then, a shopping getaway, attending events together, and hyping each other loud on social media. While fans speculated, neither had given a clear answer. That is, until now.

At Wilson’s jersey retirement ceremony with the South Carolina Gamecocks, she took a moment to acknowledge those who had supported her. That’s when she made it clear:

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without the love, support, and sacrifices of so many people. And what a blessing to have those most special to me courtside today; especially my favorite Olympian in town,” Wilson said, adding a playful shoulder wiggle and smirk.

With those words, the rumors weren’t just confirmed—they were officially out in the open. But why now? Why did Wilson choose this moment to finally acknowledge Adebayo? According to her, it just felt like the “perfect time.”

“The beautiful thing about our relationship, and our bond, is that we’re very aware of things,” Wilson explained. “We know how to navigate through a lot of different things and never shy from moments, but also make sure that we uplift [each other].”

About 5 months since first being spotted together and the couple has stayed their own, entertaining no noise, not completely being under the wraps either. Their respect and support for each other has been clear all along. Bam would let you know that well. “Hope everybody finds A’thousand reasons to smile on this lovely Sunday,” were his words as A’ja became the first player to score 1000 points in a single season. He’d then drop a “U’nanimous,” — yet another nod to the first letter of A’ja’s name — as he suggested unanimous MVP honors for the Aces star.

But of course, it isn’t all one-sided. As the Miami Heat star ventured into the Bourbon industry in November last year, she was spotted at a private launch dinner, smiling wide as he raised a toast. So we believe when A’ja says he helps bring out the best of her.

Speaking to Elle, the 2024 MVP mentions that it would have been a “disservice” not to acknowledge Adebayo’s support.“Because of that favorite Olympian, you see the best of me. Because of the care and the support that not a lot of people see all the time. If I did not recognize my special Olympian, he wouldn’t be able to get his flowers. So in that sense, I think it was just the perfect time.”

Wilson’s words made it clear—this wasn’t just social media speculation. Their bond was real, built on mutual support and admiration. But this was only part of why now felt right. Wilson’s jersey retirement wasn’t the first time Adebayo had been seen supporting her. He was right there courtside, cheering her on. But their connection goes back much further.

A’ja Wilson and her “support” have a history of shared public appearances

It all seemed to start picking up steam during the 2024 Paris Olympics. A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo weren’t just representing Team USA—they were also spending plenty of time together off the court, the first instance was during the training vamp.

Then came the games. Adebayo was seen at Bercy Arena during the U.S. women’s matchup against Nigeria, supporting Wilson from the stands. Devin Booker couldn’t help but joke, “He can’t even stop it,” about Adebayo’s presence. And the hints didn’t stop there. Before the Aces’ August 18 game against the Sparks, Wilson posted a photo of herself arriving at the arena, rocking gray sweatpants and a wrinkled white t-shirt. Her caption? “Fresh out the pack.”

Barely 40 minutes later, Adebayo took to X and seemingly subtweeted her: “Did people stop ironing their clothes after the pandemic?” Fans immediately connected the dots.

But the biggest moment? Wilson flying from Las Vegas to Miami to support Adebayo as he received a key to the city for winning Olympic gold. That’s when things really escalated.

“A’ja Wilson is here today—and she won gold in women’s basketball!” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced. “I guess that has something to do with Bam and the Heat, huh? Being here today.” Wilson’s reaction said it all. And when she later spoke at her jersey retirement ceremony, she made their bond even clearer.