Exploring Jayson Tatum’s Alleged Romance with Singer Ella Mai: Is the Celtics Star in a Relationship?

Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai have reportedly been dating since 2020

Jayson Tatum; Ella Mai. PHOTO: ADAM GLANZMAN/GETTY; KAYLA OADDAMS/WIREIMAGE

Jayson Tatum is heading to the NBA Finals with his rumored girlfriend, Grammy Award-winning singer Ella Mai, by his side.

The duo have been linked since 2020. However, 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 at Michael 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 singer even sat courtside at a Boston Celtics game in December 2022.

The Celtics shooting guard has become one of the faces of the NBA 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.

All About Jayson Tatum’s Son Deuce Tatum

From their first public appearance to her bond with 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

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 she explained to Okayplayer in 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

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 he posted his first TikTok in 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, Mai visited The Breakfast Club ahead 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.”

She 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

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.

The annual event — hosted by the billionaire businessman — attracts celebrities across sports and entertainment. A video from the gathering included a snippet of Tatum and Mai dressed in the customary all-white ensembles. Other celebs at the exclusive bash included Kendall Jenner, Devin Booker, Odell Beckham Jr., Drake and James Harden.

She attended his former teammate’s wedding

Memphis Grizzlies player Marcus Smart tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Maisa Hallum on 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 captured dancing and singing along to Mai’s hit single “Boo’d Up” at the reception.

Mai and Tatum celebrated her 29th birthday in New York

Mai turned 29 on Nov. 3, 1994, and to celebrate, she threw a birthday bash in New York. One of the highlights of the event was a rousing game of musical chairs with her guests. A video, which was shared on social media by one of the partygoers, showed Tatum being eliminated during an all-male round of the game. Mai shared a video recap of her big night on Instagram.

“My birthday wish was to play musical chairs with some of my favourite people,” she wrote. “Mission complete 🤎29, fine&thankful to always be surrounded by love! thank you for all of your birthday wishes, we never get tired of scorpio season ♏️.”

She has seemingly met Tatum’s son Deuce

Jayson Tatum holding his son Deuce while on vacation.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,” Tatum shared with The Boston Globe in 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 her Heart On My Sleeve tour in April 2023. A concertgoer caught a sweet interaction between Mai and Deuce as she waved to him from the stage.