Is Jayson Tatum in a Relationship? All About the Celtics Star's Rumored Romance with Singer Ella Mai

Mar. 15, 2025

Jayson Tatum; Ella Mai.Photo:Adam Glanzman/Getty; Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Adam Glanzman/Getty; Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Jayson Tatumis rumored to be dating Grammy Award-winning singerElla Mai.

The duo have been linked since 2020, but they have never publicly confirmed their relationship. Still, Tatum and Mai have been spotted together several times over the past four years. They were both guests atMichael Rubin’s annual Fourth of July party in 2022, attended the wedding of Tatum’s fellow teammate in 2023 and celebrated Mai’s 29th birthday together in New York.

The “Boo’d Up” singer seems to be supportive of Tatum’s career and appeared to be present at the TD Garden in Boston when the Boston Celtics won the NBA Finals in June 2024. The same summer, she cheered him on at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she appeared to be holding a newborn in a video shared onX(formerly Twitter).

Tatum has become one of the NBA’s biggest stars since he was drafted third overall in 2017. R&B sensation Mai is equally decorated with four Grammy nominations and one win under her belt.

He is also one of the NBA players featured on Netflix’s docuseriesStarting 5,which follows the 2023-2024 basketball season.

From their first public appearance to her bondwith his son, here is a look at Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai’s rumored romance.

Mai is a Grammy Award winner

Ella Mai holding her Grammy Award in 2019.Jerod Harris/FilmMagic

Jerod Harris/FilmMagic

When it comes to R&B, Mai is among the top artists. The British native first drew attention after appearing on X Factor season 11.

Mai had a breakout year in 2018. She debuted at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 with the single “Boo’d Up” from her self-titled debut album. She received two Grammy nominations in 2019, one for best R&B song — which she won — and one for song of the year. Mai is a self-professed “lover girl,” as sheexplained toOkayplayerin 2022.

“I feel like people think it’s cool to be toxic and do people wrong – I’m the complete other side of that. I love, love … My favorite thing to do is make a love song.”

Tatum and Mai were first linked in 2020

Ella Mai sitting courtside at a Boston Celtics game while Jayson Tatum plays in 2022.Allen Berezovsky/Getty

Allen Berezovsky/Getty

The couple were first linked in late 2020 when eagle-eyed viewers spotted Mai in a familiar location during the singer’s Instagram livestream. The background matched Tatum’s home, which fans caught a glimpse of when heposted his first TikTokin March 2020.

But seeds of a relationship may have been planted in 2019. Tatum reportedly flew to Mai’s Baltimore show hours after a Celtics game and Mai was spotted courtside as the Celtics took on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Mai evaded questions about their rumored relationship during an interview

In 2022, MaivisitedThe Breakfast Clubahead of the release of her sophomore album,Heart On My Sleeve. While promoting the project, conversation turned to her basketball fandom and potential relationship with Tatum.

“There’s rumors that you’re a Boston Celtics fan,” teased DJ Envy. “Oh really?” Mai replied.

“They say you’re a Boston Celtics fan and possibly dating a Boston Celtic. Is there any truth to that?” DJ Envy asked.

After questioning the source of his information, Mai politely declined to discuss her personal life.

“I’m a basketball fan definitely, but you know I’m not one to talk about my dating life.”

Mai and Tatum made their first public appearance in 2022

Jayson Taum in 2023; Ella Mai in 2023.Mikey Berlfein/NBAE via Getty; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Mikey Berlfein/NBAE via Getty; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Despite rumors of a romantic relationship between the pair since 2020, Tatum and Mai made their first public appearance in July 2022. The alleged couple attended Rubin’s Fourth of July White Party in the Hamptons.

Mai attended Tatum’s former teammate’s wedding

Memphis Grizzlies player Marcus Smarttied the knot with his longtime girlfriendMaisa Hallumon Sept. 16, 2023, at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, Calif. Several of Smart’s former Boston Celtics teammates, including Tatum, were on hand to witness the nuptials. Mai accompanied the star athlete to the lavish ceremony. The duo wore matching green outfits, and Tatum was seen in one snap with his arm draped around her shoulder while holding court with a small group.

In a cute moment, the couple were captureddancing and singingalong to Mai’s hit single “Boo’d Up” at the reception.

Mai and Tatum celebrated her 29th birthday in New York

Mai has seemingly met Tatum’s son, Deuce

Jayson Tatum holding his son Deuce while on vacation.Jayson Tatum/Instagram

Jayson Tatum/Instagram

Tatum became a father at age 19 and his son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr. a.k.a. Deuce, has become a fixture at NBA games.

“Every time he comes to a home game, people cheer when they see him,” Tatumshared withThe Boston Globein 2022. “They scream his name when he comes to games on the road and here at All-Star [Weekend]. He has his own personality.”

Deuce and Mai appear to have forged a bond and he may be a fan of her music. The youngster accompanied his father to Mai’s show at Boston’s House of Blues in support of herHeart On My Sleevetour in April 2023. A concertgoercaught a sweet interactionbetween Mai and Deuce as she waved to him from the stage.

source: people.com