Basketball's power couple, A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo, have publicly called out a former ESPN reporter for asking what they deemed "strange" and invasive questions about their personal life and future family plans. The incident occurred shortly after Wilson's monumental achievement of being named TIME Magazine's 2025 Athlete of the Year.
The Viral Interview and the Unwelcome Question
Following her TIME honor, A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces superstar, gave a candid interview where she opened up about her life. She revealed her four-year relationship with Miami Heat player Bam Adebayo, calling him her "life partner" and expressing her dream of starting a family with the three-time NBA All-Star. These heartfelt comments quickly spread across the internet.
A few days later, former ESPN journalist Rachel Nichols, while covering the NBA Cup semifinals, referenced Wilson's words in an interview with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Discussing OKC GM Sam Presti's keen eye for talent, Nichols made a joking implication that Presti would even be scouting in the delivery room when Wilson and Adebayo have children. A surprised Gilgeous-Alexander gave a light-hearted reply, but the couple did not find the remark amusing.
Social Media Backlash from the Athletes
Wilson and Adebayo swiftly took to social media to express their displeasure, highlighting their need for privacy. On Threads, A'ja Wilson questioned the line of questioning, writing, "Yall don’t think this a lil strange orrrr weird..??? But I guess it’s a slow day in the office.."
Echoing her sentiment, Bam Adebayo posted a succinct but powerful response, stating, "This why privacy matters." Their reactions underscore a growing conversation about the boundaries between public figures' professional achievements and their private lives.
A Historic Year for A'ja Wilson
The controversy comes on the heels of a legendary year for A'ja Wilson. In 2025, she led the Las Vegas Aces to a WNBA championship, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals. Her season was historically dominant, as she became the only player in NBA or WNBA history to win the regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and a championship all in the same season.
Her performance, including a game-winning buzzer-beater in the Finals, cemented her status as one of basketball's all-time greats and significantly boosted the profile of the WNBA. The personal questions, following such a professional pinnacle, were seen by many fans as an unnecessary intrusion.
The couple's unified stance serves as a reminder that even global sports icons are entitled to personal boundaries. While fans are naturally curious about the lives of their favorite stars, Wilson and Adebayo have drawn a clear line, emphasizing that their family planning is a private matter, not fodder for speculative journalism.
