As the New York Knicks chase their NBA finals hopes, fans are also spotlighting Jalen Brunson’s life off the court—starting with his wife, Dr. Ali Marks Brunson, a high school sweetheart who became his partner in 2023 and welcomed their daughter in 2024.
Jalen Brunson is built for big moments—right now. it’s the NBA spotlight as the New York Knicks look to secure their place in the NBA finals. But for many fans, the curiosity doesn’t stop at the court. It shifts to the person cheering him on at home: his wife, Dr. Ali Marks Brunson, and the life they’ve built together.
Brunson, who is 29 years old, has been married to Ali Marks Brunson since 2023. The pair go way back as high school sweethearts, attending Adlai Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Brunson later shared a throwback on Instagram that pointed to October 27, 2013—the day he seemingly revealed they became official.
Their paths didn’t run together in college. Brunson played basketball for Villanova, while Ali attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She later went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Northwestern University in 2021.
Their wedding came after a proposal in their high school gym. On July 29, 2023, they said “I do” at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. Ali described the celebration to People. saying. “We wanted it to be a big big party: celebratory and joyful. with lights. lasers. a fun DJ. good food. good drinks.” Brunson added. “She’s always been by my side and I’m lucky to have her. 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. ” as he reflected on the milestone.
Professionally. Ali Brunson works as a “Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist.” And as their first year of marriage drew close. their family expanded. Just a couple of days shy of their first wedding anniversary, they welcomed their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, on July 31, 2024.
In the story of their relationship. the dates tell their own timeline: high school beginnings in Lincolnshire. a long-then milestone in Chicago on July 29. 2023. and a new chapter right after—when their daughter arrived on July 31. 2024. The same bond that started in the school hallways is still shaping the life they’re building together.
Jalen Brunson wife Ali Marks Brunson Jordyn James Brunson New York Knicks Dr. Ali Marks Brunson Villanova Northwestern University pregnancy postpartum corrective exercise specialist