Ella Mai and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum appear to have welcomed their first child together. The couple was recently photographed with their newborn after Tatum, 26, and his teammates secured a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Team USA triumphed over France with a final score of 98-87 in Bercy Arena on Saturday, August 10.
The heartwarming moment was captured and shared by The Shade Room, showing Tatum and Mai, 29, beaming with joy as they posed with their newborn and Tatum’s 6-year-old son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr. Joining the celebration were Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole, and his grandmother, adding a special family touch to the occasion, according to a news channel.
Fans first speculated about Mai’s pregnancy when she revealed her baby bump at the 2024 NBA Finals in June. During that time, Tatum and the Boston Celtics clinched victory over the Dallas Mavericks, further fueling the excitement surrounding the couple’s growing family.
Over the years, Tatum and the “Boo’d Up” singer have remained notably private about their relationship. Speculation about their romance first arose in 2019 when Mai was seen sitting courtside at one of Tatum’s basketball games. Despite the buzz, the couple has been careful not to publicly confirm their relationship status.
In a 2022 interview on “The Breakfast Club,” Mai was asked about the rumors swirling around her relationship with Tatum. Co-host DJ Envy playfully remarked, “There’s rumors that you’re a Boston Celtics fan.” Mai’s coy response, “Oh really?” kept fans guessing. When DJ Envy hinted that she might be “possibly dating a Boston Celtic,” Mai neither confirmed nor denied the speculation, simply stating, “I’m a basketball fan, definitely. But you know, I’m not one to talk about my dating life.”
Jayson Tatum, who became a father in 2017, shares a special bond with his firstborn son, Deuce. Tatum welcomed Deuce during his rookie year in the NBA with his high school girlfriend, Toriah Lachell. Reflecting on that pivotal year in a 2022 post-game press conference, Tatum described it as “the biggest year of my life.”
Tatum spoke about the challenges and rewards of balancing his roles as both a professional athlete and a father.
“My mindset was not to sacrifice either. I was going to be the best father as well as the best basketball player,”
Tatum said. He acknowledged that there was no specific guide on how to achieve this balance, noting that it was about doing what felt right.
Tatum’s close relationship with Deuce is evident as he shared how they navigate life together. “I’m around Deuce every day,” Tatum explained. “I think being able to go through this journey together — because I was 19 when I got drafted — it’s kind of like we’re growing up together. As he’s gotten older, I’m going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up, I think it’s the coolest part for me.”
This shared journey between father and son has not only strengthened their bond but has also become an integral part of Tatum’s life, highlighting the unique experience of growing together both on and off the court.
