Who Is Jalen Brunson's Wife? All About Ali Marks

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Theo Wargo/Getty

Theo Wargo/Getty

Jalen Brunson scored big when he started dating Ali Marks in high school.

The New York Knicks point guardproposed to his longtime girlfriendin September 2022 after dating for nine years. Brunson and Marks later wed during alavish ceremonyat Chicago’s Ritz-Carlton on July 29, 2023.

“We wanted to bring all of our closest friends [and] family together in a city that means so much to both of us,” Brunson told PEOPLE, noting that it’s “emotional to see everyone important to us in the same room.”

While the Knicks didn’t win the championship, Marks and Brunson had something even more exciting to celebrate: the birth of their first child.Jordyn James Brunsonarrived on July 31, 2024.

So, who is Jalen Brunson’s wife? Here’s everything to know about Ali Marks and her relationship with the NBA player.

She met Brunson in high school

Jalen Brunson Instagram

Marks and Brunson went to Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, andstarted dating in October 2013. Nearly two years later, Brunson posted pictures of the twoattending their senior promtogether in May 2015.

Throughout high school, Brunson shared snaps of himself with Marks, includingcelebrating her birthdayandattending school dances together.

She graduated from Northwestern University

Ali Marks Instagram

While Brunson attended Villanova University, where he played Division 1 basketball, Marks stayed close to home at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, according to herLinkedIn. She studied kinesiology and exercise science, graduating in 2017.

The following year she attended Northwestern University, receiving her doctorate in physical therapy in 2021. The couple dated long distance while they both attended college and until she ultimately moved to Dallas after graduating from Northwestern.

She is a physical therapist

Soon after graduating, Marks began her career as a physical therapist at the W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic in Dallas, Texas — where Brunson was playing at the time.

Before becoming a licensed physical therapist, Marks worked as a rehabilitation aide at Athletico in Chicago, assisting other therapists and patients.

Brunson proposed to her in their high school gym

Jalen Brunson/Instagram

Brunson proposed to Marks in a meaningful way. In September 2022, Brunson took Marks to their alma mater and proposed to her on the basketball court of their high school gym.

Brunson popped the question at center court with an arrangement of flowers and candles in a heart shape. Behind the array, Brunson got down on one knee under an arch made of the same flowers.

She and Brunson got married in July 2023

On July 29, 2023, Brunson and Markstied the knot, celebrating their nuptials with a luxurious event at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.

“We wanted it to be a big big party: celebratory and joyful, with lights, lasers, a fun DJ, good food, good drinks,” Marks told PEOPLE.

For the ceremony, the bride wore a custom off-white Eva Lendel gown. She later changed into her prom dress from 2015 as a surprise. “It’s an iconic look,” she told PEOPLE.

Meanwhile, Brunson wore a custom black tux and velvet loafers.

She and Brunson welcomed their first child in 2024

She is supportive of his career

She and Brunson have traveled together

Between basketball seasons, the couple like to go on vacations together and spend time with their dog, Kona. They have traveled together to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Miami, among other destinations.

Marksposted some sweet picturesof the two kissing during their July 2022 trip to Jamaica, writing, “from our first night in paradise 🍹🇯🇲🌅🤍.”

She runs for charity

In October 2020,Marks completed her first half marathonwith Project Purple, an organization that provides research funding and monetary support for families of those with pancreatic cancer. Her father died of pancreatic cancer a decade prior, and Project Purple supported her family during his cancer journey.

Two years later, Marks ran another marathon in support of Project Purple, raising $5,900 for the cause. Sheposted pictures from the marathonposing with a medal and of her family holding signs supporting her.

“Grateful for all of my family and friends who supported me during this journey - it was truly years in the making !!” she wrote in the caption.

She appeared in an AT&T commercial with Brunson

“Jalen, what are you wearing?” Marks asks her husband, who is sporting a jacket covered in smartphones. Brunson replies, “It’s my tournament jacket. With AT&T I can watch at home or on the go.”

source: people.com