If you’ve spent any time on social media over the last year, you’ve probably seen the grainy clips and the blurry paparazzi shots. People love a mystery. Especially when it involves a Grammy winner and an NBA superstar. For the longest time, the identity of the Ella Mai baby father was the worst-kept secret in the industry.
It’s Jayson Tatum.
Yes, the Boston Celtics forward. Honestly, the way they tried to hide it was almost impressive if it wasn't so obvious. Most fans didn't get a real confirmation until the 2024 Paris Olympics. Imagine winning a gold medal and then having your newborn son debut in a family photo shoot while the world watches. That is basically how it went down.
The Timeline Nobody Can Agree On
People always ask when this actually started. 2019? 2020? The rumors have been swirling for ages. You’ve probably seen the "Boo'd Up" singer sitting courtside at TD Garden more times than you can count. But they never did the whole Instagram-official thing.
They are private. Like, "we aren't even going to tell you we're pregnant" private.
Fans first really lost their minds in June 2024. The Celtics had just secured the NBA Championship. During the locker room celebrations, Ella was spotted wearing a Tatum jersey. But it wasn't just any jersey—it was draped over a very clear baby bump.
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The internet went into a tailspin. Was she? Wasn't she? She didn't say a word. Neither did he.
Who is Jayson Tatum?
If you aren't a sports fan, you might just know him as "the guy with Ella Mai." But Jayson Tatum is a massive deal in his own right. He’s a multi-time NBA All-Star and the face of one of the most storied franchises in basketball history.
- Born: March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri.
- Team: Boston Celtics.
- Accolades: NBA Champion (2024), Olympic Gold Medalist.
Tatum was already a dad before meeting Ella. His son, Jayson "Deuce" Tatum Jr., is a celebrity in his own right at the games. Deuce was born in 2017 to Tatum's high school girlfriend, Toriah Lachell.
So, when the Ella Mai baby father news broke, it meant Deuce was officially a big brother.
That Viral Olympic Reveal
Fast forward to August 2024. Paris.
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Team USA beats France. The gold medals are handed out. In the chaos of the post-game celebrations, a video surfaced of a family photo session. There was Jayson, his mom Brandy, Deuce, and Ella Mai holding a tiny newborn.
It was the "hard launch" that wasn't really a launch.
Reports later surfaced that the baby’s name is Dylan. Neither parent has spent much time posting him on the grid, though. They seem intent on giving the kid a normal life away from the "Stan" accounts and the comment sections.
Why the Secrecy?
In an interview with KISS XTRA in late 2025, Ella finally loosened up a bit. She basically said that if you are intentional about how you move, it isn't that hard to stay hidden.
"I was intentional with where I went and what I posted," she said. She wanted peace. You can’t really blame her. Modern fame is a shark tank.
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She also joked about the baby's future. Since his dad is a walking bucket and his mom is an R&B powerhouse, what happens?
"It's giving a little bit of both right now," she told the hosts. "We might have a little singing hooper on our hands." Apparently, the kid can already hold a note. He’s barely a toddler, and he’s probably more talented than most of us.
What's Next for the Couple?
While they are co-parenting and clearly together, don't expect a televised wedding anytime soon. They seem to thrive in the shadows.
Ella is currently gearing up for her third album, Do You Still Love Me?, which is expected to drop in February 2026. You can bet the lyrics are going to be picked apart for references to Tatum and their son. That's just how the fanbases work.
Tatum is still chasing rings in Boston. Between the NBA schedule and Ella’s world tours, they’re a legitimate power couple, even if they won’t admit it to a reporter's face.
If you're looking for the latest on their journey, keep an eye on Tatum’s sneakers. He’s been known to write "Deuce" and "Dylan" on his game-day kicks. It’s a quiet nod to his kids in a world that’s constantly shouting for more information.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow Jayson Tatum’s game-day fashion; he often uses his shoes for personal milestones.
- Listen closely to Ella Mai’s 2026 album lyrics for confirmed details on her journey into motherhood.
- Avoid "leaked" photos on TikTok; the couple has been very vocal about wanting privacy for their son, Dylan.