Jalen Brunson and his wife, Ali Brunson (née Marks), have a love story that feels like it’s straight out of a movie. They met as teenagers at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois, where they were just two kids navigating the chaos of adolescence. Back in October 2013, they started dating, and what began as a typical high school romance turned into something much bigger. While Jalen was making waves on the basketball court, Ali was focused on her studies, excelling in academics with the same dedication Jalen had for sports. Their connection wasn’t just about young love; it was built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep understanding of each other’s dreams.
Ali didn’t just stand on the sidelines as Jalen’s career took off. She pursued her own path with just as much determination. She went to the University of Illinois for her undergraduate degree, studying kinesiology, and later earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Northwestern University. That’s no small feat.
While Jalen was grinding through NBA seasons, Ali was grinding through exams, clinical rotations, and eventually launching her own physical therapy practice. She didn’t let her relationship with a rising NBA star define her. Instead, she carved out her own identity as a healthcare professional, even running marathons for charity in honor of her late father, showing the same grit and heart that Jalen displays on the court.
Who Is Jalen Brunson’s Wife, Ali Marks? The Couple Shares a Daughter
Their engagement in 2022 was pure magic. Jalen didn’t just pop the question in some random location. He brought Ali back to where it all began—their high school gym. Picture this: the basketball court where Jalen likely spent countless hours practicing, now transformed into a romantic setup with flowers and candles. It was a full-circle moment, a nod to their roots, and a testament to how far they’d come together.
When they tied the knot in July 2023 at Chicago’s Ritz-Carlton, it wasn’t just another celebrity wedding. It was a celebration of a decade-long journey. Ali even surprised everyone by wearing her 2015 prom dress during the reception, a sweet throwback to their younger days. The guest list included Jalen’s closest NBA friends, making it clear that their relationship isn’t just a private affair but one that’s deeply intertwined with his career and friendships.
Fast forward to 2024, and their family grew by one tiny, adorable member. On July 31, just two days after their first wedding anniversary, Ali gave birth to their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson. The name feels intentional—Jordyn, possibly a subtle tribute to basketball greatness, and James, which might honor Ali’s father or another meaningful family figure. Jalen announced the news on Instagram with a simple yet powerful black-and-white photo of Jordyn gripping his finger, a moment that instantly melted hearts. Parenthood is a new adventure for them, but if their relationship is any indication, they’ll approach it with the same teamwork and love that’s defined everything else.
Beyond the milestones, what makes their story special is the everyday stuff. They’re not just an NBA power couple; they’re real people who travel together, spoil their Goldendoodle named Kona, and support each other’s careers without losing sight of who they are as individuals. Ali Brunson isn’t just “Jalen Brunson’s wife.” She’s a doctor, a business owner, a philanthropist, and now a mom. Jalen isn’t just a basketball player. He’s a husband, a father, and someone who clearly values family above all else. Their relationship works because they’ve always grown together rather than apart, adapting to each new chapter without losing the core of what brought them together in the first place.
From high school sweethearts to parents, their journey hasn’t been about flashy headlines or drama. It’s been steady, genuine, and full of quiet moments that mean more than any grand gesture. Whether it’s Ali cheering from the stands during Jalen’s games or Jalen supporting her marathons and career milestones, they’ve built a partnership that feels refreshingly normal in a world that often glorifies chaos.
And now, with little Jordyn in the picture, their story is just getting started. If there’s one thing we can learn from them, it’s that the best relationships aren’t about the spotlight. They’re about the person who’s been there through every pass, every exam, every victory, and every quiet night at home. And for Jalen and Ali Brunson, that’s exactly what they’ve created.
