.jpg){kind=link}
A’ja Wilson knows how to make an entrance—and how to set the internet ablaze. The 2024 WNBA MVP turned up at the Wall Street Journal’s Innovator Awards, where she snagged the coveted Sports Innovator award in a look so bold it was practically its own headline. But while fans cheered her success and iconic sense of style, it’s what Wilson was not seen with that had onlookers buzzing. That’s right, the ever-speculative court-side love story with Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo is back under the magnifying glass, and everyone wants to know: where was Bam?
Wilson’s outfit—a chic, asymmetrical black-and-white piece paired with a brand-new shorter hairstyle—was all anyone could talk about (other than her rumored romance, of course). Her latest look and ‘do seemed to say, “I’m too fabulous for the ordinary.” She posed with aplomb next to actress Aubrey Plaza, and later gave a short, heartfelt acceptance speech that reportedly moved the audience. Or, at the very least, made everyone wonder how she makes balancing professional dominance and sartorial risks look easy. The Las Vegas Aces even compiled a collection of photos from the event for an Instagram post, just in case anyone somehow missed her slay.
But Wilson’s life off the court is equally as headline-worthy. Fans have been eagerly piecing together clues about her relationship with Adebayo since the duo’s apparent date during the summer’s pre-Olympic training camp in Vegas. Things only got juicier when Adebayo was spotted courtside with his Team USA squad as Wilson and Team USA’s women took gold. The two even unveiled a secret handshake (the international sign of more-than-friends?), practically solidifying their “mystery couple” status. And, adding to the intrigue, Wilson was right there when Adebayo received the keys to Miami from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who was all too happy to fan the flames with a joking nod to Wilson’s presence.
So, with all eyes on her at the Innovator Awards, the question lingered: where was Bam? Sure, he might not have been in attendance, but Twitter detectives have their theories (and a conspiracy board that would make a detective blush). Could it be that the two are just too busy with their thriving careers to make public appearances every time they hit a red carpet? Or is Wilson’s new look her way of saying she’s “moving on”—to greater, even more glamorous things?
One thing’s for sure: whether she’s winning MVPs, Innovator Awards, or internet gossip points, A’ja Wilson is here to keep us guessing. And, for now, that’s exactly where she wants us.