The Private Life Of A Champion: 5 Shocking Facts About Jayson Tatum’s Girlfriend, Ella Mai (Updated 2025)
The Boston Celtics' star forward, Jayson Tatum, is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, but his life off the court, particularly his romantic relationships, has been a subject of intense public curiosity and speculation for years. As of late December 2025, the six-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist is in a famously private relationship with a Grammy-winning R&B sensation, a partnership that has captured the attention of both basketball and music fans.
The woman at the center of this high-profile, yet low-key, romance is the British singer-songwriter Ella Mai. While the couple has made a conscious effort to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight, recent sightings, family updates, and the birth of their second child have brought new, compelling details to the surface, confirming their status as one of sports and entertainment's most powerful, and secretive, couples.
Jayson Tatum: Full Biography and Profile
Jayson Christopher Tatum Sr., born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri, has quickly established himself as a generational talent in the NBA. His journey to stardom began early, fueled by a passion for basketball and a supportive family structure.
- Full Name: Jayson Christopher Tatum Sr.
- Date of Birth: March 3, 1998
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
- Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
- Parents: Brandy Cole (mother) and Justin Tatum (father). His mother, Brandy, was a single parent who earned a Master's degree while raising him.
- Siblings: One younger brother, Jaycob Tatum.
- High School: Chaminade College Preparatory School (Creve Coeur, MO).
- College: Duke University (one season under Coach Mike Krzyzewski).
- NBA Draft: 2017, 3rd overall pick by the Boston Celtics.
- Current Team: Boston Celtics.
- Career Highlights: NBA Champion, 6x NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, Olympic Gold Medalist (2020 Tokyo Games), and multiple Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
- Children: Jayson "Deuce" Tatum Jr. (born 2017, with Toriah Lachell) and Dylan Tatum (born 2024, with Ella Mai).
Tatum’s professional career is marked by his exceptional scoring ability, versatility, and leadership, making him the cornerstone of the Celtics franchise. His personal life, however, remains closely guarded, especially concerning his current partner.
Who is Ella Mai? Jayson Tatum's Girlfriend and the Mother of His Second Son
Jayson Tatum's current girlfriend is the acclaimed English singer-songwriter, Ella Mai. Their relationship is one of the most discreet in the public eye, yet has been confirmed through various reports and the arrival of their son.
1. She is a Grammy-Winning R&B Powerhouse
Ella Mai Howell, known professionally as Ella Mai, is far from just an NBA WAG. She is a highly successful recording artist, best known for her 2018 smash hit, "Boo'd Up," which catapulted her to international fame. The song earned her a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Her discography includes other popular tracks like "Naked" and "Trip." Her musical success gives her a strong, independent identity separate from her relationship with the Celtics star.
2. The Relationship Has Been Dating Since 2020
Tatum and Mai reportedly began dating in 2020, maintaining a low-profile romance ever since. Unlike many celebrity couples who share their lives on social media, they rarely post about each other, preferring to keep their connection private. This level of discretion has fueled continuous rumors, including speculation that they are secretly married, though neither has ever confirmed or denied the marriage reports.
3. They Welcomed a Son Named Dylan in 2024
In a major development that confirmed the seriousness of their bond, the couple welcomed a son named Dylan in 2024. This made Jayson Tatum a father for the second time, as he already shares his first son, Jayson "Deuce" Tatum Jr., with a previous partner. Ella Mai has occasionally opened up about the challenges and joys of raising a child with an NBA superstar, emphasizing their shared commitment to privacy and family.
4. Ella Mai is a Dedicated Celtics Supporter
Despite their private nature, Ella Mai has been spotted attending several Boston Celtics games, showing public support for Tatum. Most recently, she was seen courtside in March 2025, amidst the Celtics' push for the playoffs, demonstrating her commitment to supporting his high-pressure career. Her presence at games is one of the few public acknowledgments of their relationship.
5. She is British, Born in London
Ella Mai's background adds another layer of international flair to the relationship. She was born in London, England, and spent some of her childhood in New York City before returning to the UK. Her diverse upbringing and international career contrast with Tatum's St. Louis roots and American basketball fame, creating a unique cross-cultural celebrity pairing.
Jayson Tatum's Past Relationships and Family Life
Before his current relationship with Ella Mai, Jayson Tatum had a few notable relationships that shaped his personal life, most significantly the one that resulted in his first child.
The Mother of Deuce: Toriah Lachell
Tatum's most public relationship prior to Ella Mai was with his high school sweetheart, Toriah Lachell. Their relationship was long-term, lasting from 2014 to 2017. Lachell is the mother of Jayson Tatum's oldest son, Jayson "Deuce" Tatum Jr., who was born in December 2017 shortly after Tatum began his NBA career.
Deuce has become a fixture in the NBA world, often seen on the sidelines with his father and participating in post-game press conferences. Tatum and Lachell maintain a strong co-parenting relationship, ensuring that Deuce is a central and positive part of Tatum's life and public image.
Other Reported Encounters and Dating Rumors
The high-profile nature of an NBA star means Tatum has been linked to several other women over the years, though many were unconfirmed rumors:
- Samantha Amos: Tatum was reportedly in a relationship with Samantha Amos, a former volleyball player, between 2017 and 2018.
- Bella Harris: He was also rumored to have had an encounter with model Bella Harris.
These past relationships highlight a pattern of privacy, a characteristic that Tatum has maintained consistently, culminating in his current discreet partnership with Ella Mai. The focus remains on his two sons, Deuce and Dylan, and his commitment to his family life while balancing the demands of a professional basketball career.
The Future of the Tatum-Mai Couple
As Jayson Tatum continues to cement his legacy as one of the NBA's greatest players, his relationship with Ella Mai provides a stable, private anchor away from the constant scrutiny of the sports world. Their shared decision to keep their life together, especially with two young children, out of the public eye allows them to focus on their family and their respective high-demand careers.
The occasional glimpses—Ella Mai at a Celtics game or a rare comment about their son Dylan—are enough to satisfy fans' curiosity while respecting the boundaries they have clearly established. The couple represents a modern celebrity pairing where mutual respect for privacy is paramount, a refreshing change in an era of oversharing. Expect the couple to continue their quiet support for each other as Tatum chases more championships and Mai continues to dominate the R&B charts.
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