Four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson had a message for her beau after capping her latest standout season with another championship. 

Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday to secure the franchise’s third championship in the past four years.

As Wilson stood at the podium in front of thousands of fans at Michelob Ultra Arena, her voice trembled slightly before she smiled and said, “Bam, you’ve been my rock. Through every high, every low, every doubt — you were there.

This one’s for you too.” The crowd erupted in cheers as cameras panned to Adebayo, who was seen in the audience clapping proudly and smiling from ear to ear. The NBA star, known for his calm demeanor on the court, looked visibly moved by Wilson’s words.

The moment instantly went viral, sparking a wave of social media reactions and admiration from fans across both leagues. Many praised Wilson’s openness and vulnerability, calling the exchange a refreshing reminder of genuine connection amid the pressure of professional sports.

“A’ja Wilson shouting out Bam like that? That’s real love and support right there,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “They’re the definition of power couple energy — mutual respect, strength, and love all in one.”

Sources close to Wilson and Adebayo describe their relationship as one built on friendship, mutual respect, and shared experiences as elite athletes who both hail from South Carolina.

They first met years ago through mutual friends in the basketball community and bonded over their shared roots, training backgrounds, and quiet drive for greatness.

While neither has publicly labeled their relationship as romantic, their bond has been evident — especially as Adebayo has frequently shown up at Aces games, quietly cheering from the stands during the team’s playoff run.

Wilson was named the Finals MVP for the second time in her career. She also earned WNBA Defensive Player of the Year honors for a third time. Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, who is in a relationship with Wilson, was on hand for Friday’s clincher.

A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces poses with the MVP award and Bam Adebayo after winning Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center Oct. 10, 2025, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Videos shared across social media showed Wilson and Adebayo embracing and celebrating the special moment. One video showed a tearful Wilson telling Adebayo, “Thank you for believing in me, baby.”

Those words hit home for fans who’ve followed Wilson’s journey. Throughout the 2025 season, she faced immense pressure not only to lead the Aces to a historic three-peat but also to handle growing attention as the face of the WNBA’s new era.

Despite the spotlight, Wilson has often spoken about her reliance on a strong support system — from family, teammates, and coaches to a few trusted friends outside the league.

Insiders say Adebayo has been one of those steady presences, offering encouragement, perspective, and quiet motivation during challenging stretches of the season.

The Miami Heat forward, who has built a reputation for his discipline and leadership, reportedly reached out to Wilson frequently during the Aces’ playoff push.

“He was texting her after every game — win or lose,” said one team source. “He’s not loud or flashy about it, but he really cares. He’s always been there to lift her up and remind her to stay focused.”

The chemistry between the two hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans or fellow athletes. When clips of Wilson’s emotional shoutout hit social media, NBA and WNBA players alike chimed in with their support. Former teammate Chelsea Gray commented, “A’ja’s got the whole world rooting for her — and Bam’s been right there too. That’s real.”

Meanwhile, Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler playfully reposted the moment with the caption, “Look at my boy getting love! That’s what I’m talking about!” followed by a laughing emoji and a red heart.

In another video, the Miami center shared some of his thoughts on Wilson.

“Super proud of her,” Adebayo said.

“Y’all don’t see the behind-the-scenes, the ups and the downs. So, being able to obviously have this moment with her and share this moment … truly special, truly proud of her. Like I tell everybody, be thankful for it while it’s here.”

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson celebrates with teammates after Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.  (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)

After the celebration, Adebayo posted on Instagram with a photo of Wilson holding the championship trophy, captioned, “Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.

You earned every bit of this.” The post quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of likes and supportive comments, including one from Wilson herself, who replied simply: “You always believed. Thank you.”

As the confetti settled and the Aces players continued their night of festivities, the tender exchange between Wilson and Adebayo stood out as a defining image of the evening — a reminder that even in the midst of greatness, humility and gratitude remain at the heart of true champions.

For Wilson, who capped off another dominant season with Finals MVP honors, it was a chance to celebrate not just her achievements, but the relationships that helped her get there.

“She’s the best in the world right now,” said teammate Kelsey Plum during the celebration. “But what makes A’ja so special isn’t just her talent — it’s her heart. You see that in moments like this.”

Wilson also became the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season.

Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson and her boyfriend, Miami Heat player Bam Adebayo, watch the 3-point contest during the 2025 WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 18, 2025, in Indianapolis.  (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)

The conclusion of the WNBA Finals brings the beginning of an offseason that will be defined by potentially tense negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Las Vegas Aces’ championship celebration turned into an emotional, heartwarming moment when A’ja Wilson, the two-time WNBA MVP and face of the franchise, publicly thanked Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo during her victory speech.

The Aces had just clinched their third WNBA title in four years, cementing their dynasty status after sweeping the Phoenix Mercury — but amid the confetti, champagne, and cheers, Wilson took a heartfelt pause to acknowledge someone special who’s been quietly supporting her behind the scenes.

During the Aces’ championship parade, Wilson continued to reference the people who helped her navigate a grueling season filled with both triumph and scrutiny.

“It’s easy to talk about winning when everything’s perfect,” she said. “But what people don’t see are the nights when you question yourself, when you feel the weight of expectations.

I’m lucky to have people in my life who remind me who I am — who keep me grounded. Bam, thank you for being that voice.”

Wilson and Adebayo’s connection goes deeper than basketball, though. Both have spoken publicly about mental health, perseverance, and the challenges of staying authentic in the spotlight.

Wilson, who has been open about dealing with anxiety and the pressures of leadership, once said in an interview, “Having people who remind you that you’re more than just what you do on the court — that matters.”

Adebayo, known for his humility and focus, has echoed similar sentiments in the NBA, often crediting his mother and close circle for keeping him grounded.

At the Aces’ celebration, Wilson’s message struck that same chord — blending gratitude, vulnerability, and empowerment in a way that resonated with fans far beyond basketball. “We win together,” she said. “No one gets here alone. Whether it’s my teammates, our fans, or the people who see me for more than the player — I’m thankful for every bit of it.”

The moment also highlighted the growing cultural crossover between the WNBA and NBA communities. Over the past two years, high-profile NBA stars have increasingly shown public support for their WNBA counterparts — from attending games to collaborating on training sessions and social media campaigns.

Adebayo’s consistent presence at Aces games this season only strengthened that bond, showing what mutual respect between the leagues can look like when it’s authentic and personal.

Indeed, for fans watching both in the arena and online, A’ja Wilson’s shoutout to Bam Adebayo wasn’t just a romantic or sentimental gesture — it was a window into what keeps her grounded amid the whirlwind of fame, expectation, and success.

As one fan put it perfectly on social media, “You can have all the trophies in the world, but the real flex is having someone who believes in you when no one else does.”

And as Wilson continues to lead both on and off the court, her words from that unforgettable night will likely echo long after the champagne bottles are empty: “You’ve been my rock.”

In a world that demands strength at every turn, A’ja Wilson reminded everyone that true strength often begins with love, gratitude, and the people who stand quietly beside us — even in the brightest spotlight.