Jalen Brunson scored big when he started dating Ali Marks in high school.
The New York Knicks point guard proposed to his longtime girlfriend in September 2022 after dating for nine years. Marks posted photos from the proposal on her Instagram, captioning the post, “you are a lifetime.”
On July 29, 2023, the couple wed during a lavish ceremony at Chicago’sRitz-Carlton.
“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.”
Marks has been by Brunson’s side during the most exciting moments of his career, including when he signed a $104 million, four-year contract with the New York Knicks in June 2022 and when the Knicks made it to the NBA playoffs in 2024.
So, who is Jalen Brunson’s wife? Here’s everything to know about Ali Marks and her relationship with the NBA player.
Marks and Brunson went to Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and started dating in October 2013. Nearly two years later, Brunson posted pictures of the two attending their senior prom together in May 2015.
Throughout high school, Brunson shared snaps of himself with Marks, including celebrating her birthday and attending school dances together.
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 her LinkedIn. 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.
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 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.
On July 29, 2023, Brunson and Marks tied the knot, celebrating the -
ir 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’s always been by my side and I’m lucky to have her,” Brunson said of Marks. “I’m excited to celebrate this special milestone with all of our closest friends and family, who have been so supportive over the many years of our relationship."
Throughout Brunson’s career, Marks has been by his side. Whether it was cheering him on in high school or sitting courtside during his professional games, Marks continues to be his no. 1 cheerleader.
In July 2022, she was by his side as he received his new Knicks jersey; in May 2023, she attended the Night of Covenant House Stars alongside Brunson and his family.
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.
Marks posted some sweet pictures of the two kissing during their July 2022 trip to Jamaica, writing, “from our first night in paradise ????????????????????.”
In October 2020, Marks completed her first half marathon with 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. She posted pictures from the marathon posing 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.
In March 2024, AT&T released a March Madness-themed commercial starring Brunson and featuring a cameo by Marks. The 30-second ad opens with a scene between the couple in a kitchen.
"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."
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