WNBA icon A’ja Wilson has had a banner beginning in 2025, particularly within the past couple of weeks.
A’ja Wilson has her South Carolina jersey retired
The two-time champion and three-time MVP was honored with her jersey retirement on Feb. 2 as the greatest player in the history of the University of South Carolina.
A’ja Wilson unveils her Nike A’One sneaker line
A few days later, Wilson was finally able to unveil her long-awaited A’One sneaker line and apparel with Nike which created a frenzy among sneakerheads and sports fans alike.
Most of all, during her jersey retirement speech at USC in Columbia, S.C., the two-time gold medalist and two-time Defensive Player of the Year swooned over the man in her life, NBA star Bam Adebayo.
The two had been the subject of rampant fan speculation about a romantic relationship since last summer when the two were seen together multiple times during the Paris Olympics. However, neither the Las Vegas Aces star nor the Miami Heat center bothered to confirm nor deny their relationship.
The rumors were reignited when Wilson and Adebayo shared a special handshake after her Team USA won the gold medal. It gained momentum when Wilson was in Miami when Adebayo was given the keys to the city.
Finally, six months later, after she watched her No. 22 Gamecocks jersey hanging from the rafters, she gave her man a cryptic shout-out.
A’ja Wilson finally confirms romance with Bam Adebayo
Wilson, 28, said she appreciated all of the folks who came to South Carolina to share in her celebratory event, including “my favorite Olympian from out of town,” while shaking her head from side to side with a wide smile.
After months of ignoring public speculation about their pairing, Wilson told Elle magazine that the moment felt right for a ‘hard launch’ of their relationship.
“I would’ve been doing a disservice if I did not mention my favorite Olympian. 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,” Wilson told the magazine.
“If I did not recognize my special Olympian, he wouldn’t be able to get his flowers,” Wilson continued. “So in that sense, I think it was just a perfect time. It was just a moment that I would love to share because people should know that I’m not alone. I have an amazing support system behind me.”
A’ja Wilson describes her relationship with the Miami Heat star
When asked to describe their relationship, Wilson referred to a Beyoncé song to characterize her love life.
“Beyoncé says, ‘It’s very seldom that you’re blessed to find your equal.’ It’s hard to find people that can really truly understand you on deeper levels. I wouldn’t say it’s easy, but I love it. I love the fact that it’s not easy, because it allows us to really be our true selves and support one another,” she said.
A’ja added, “The beautiful thing about our relationship, and our bond, is that we’re very aware of things. 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].”
