Is Ilona Maher married? Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the Olympic rugby star stiff-arming defenders or cracking jokes about "the villa" at the Olympic Games. Naturally, the internet wants to know who she’s going home to. People are constantly Googling whether there’s a secret husband in the picture.
The short answer? No.
Ilona Maher is not married. In fact, she’s been pretty vocal about the reality of her dating life—or the lack thereof. During her stint on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) in late 2024 and throughout her 2025 season, she joked that she hadn't been on a real date in years. Between the grueling training sessions for the USA Rugby Sevens and the sheer exhaustion of competing for a bronze medal in Paris, she basically said her schedule doesn't leave much room for a "plus one."
The Alan Bersten Rumors and the "Bestie" Truth
If you saw her on Season 33 of DWTS, you might have been one of the thousands "shipping" her with her partner, Alan Bersten. Their chemistry was undeniable. They were goofy, they were physically in sync, and Maher even famously lifted him during a routine.
It looked like a rom-com in the making.
But Maher shut that down pretty quickly. She’s called Bersten her "bestie" and a "teammate." While the internet was busy trying to find a wedding ring, Maher was busy focusing on her footwork. Fans saw them at Los Angeles Rams games together, looking cozy, but both have maintained it’s a deep, platonic friendship born out of the pressure cooker of reality TV.
Why the Public is So Obsessed
People love a good love story, especially for someone as authentic as Maher. She’s become a beacon of body positivity and "beast mode" femininity. Because she shares so much of her life—her skincare routines, her nursing background, her relatable struggles with self-image—fans feel like they know her.
That familiarity breeds a sort of "invested auntie" energy from the public. They want her to have it all: the Olympic hardware, the Bristol Bears contract, and a partner who treats her like the queen she is.
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What She Actually Wants in a Partner
Maher hasn't been shy about what she's looking for. It’s not a mystery. In several interviews with outlets like People and Parade, she’s laid out the criteria for whoever eventually "slides into her DMs."
- Banter is non-negotiable: She needs someone who can handle her wit. She once mentioned that a guy told her she flirts by making fun of people. She didn't disagree. For her, that back-and-forth is the spark.
- A "Proud" Partner: She’s explicitly said she wants someone who isn't intimidated by her success. She wants a person who shows her off and actually comes to her rugby games.
- Work-Life Balance: As of early 2026, her focus has been on the Women’s Rugby World Cup and her new journey with the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR). She’s mentioned that if someone enhances her life, she’s open to it, but she isn't hunting for it.
The "Multiple Husbands" Comment
There was a bit of a viral moment on the House of Maher podcast where she joked about having multiple husbands in the future. It was classic Ilona—sarcastic, over-the-top, and designed to make her sisters laugh. Some corners of the internet took it literally, but it was just another example of her using humor to deflect the constant pressure women face to "settle down."
She’s 29. She’s at the peak of her athletic career. She’s a 2025 ESPY winner for Best Breakthrough Athlete. Honestly, a husband might just be in the way of her winning another medal or crushing it in the WWE—a move she’s been teasing since her Olympic success.
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Real Talk: The Schedule of an Olympian
We often forget that being a professional athlete is a 24/7 job. When she was on DWTS, she described her day: dance, eat, sleep, dance again. When she’s in rugby camp, it’s even more intense. The "Ilona Maher married" searches usually peak when she’s seen with a male friend, but the reality is that elite athletes often put personal milestones on the back burner to chase greatness.
She has spoken about the "Olympic Village" dating scene with a mix of humor and cynicism. While the world imagines a hotbed of romance, Maher’s TikToks usually show her and her teammates just trying to find a decent meal or a moment of rest.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Ilona Maher's journey, here is how to keep up with the facts without getting lost in the rumor mill:
- Follow the Source: Her TikTok (@ilonamaher) is where she usually addresses rumors first. If she’s getting married, she’s going to be the one to tell you—likely with a hilarious video of her trying on a veil over her rugby kit.
- Distinguish Between "Ship" and Reality: Just because two people have great chemistry on a TV show doesn't mean they're headed for the altar. Media outlets often play up these "showmances" for clicks.
- Respect the Pivot: Maher is currently navigating a major career shift into XVs (fifteens) rugby and living in the UK. This kind of transition usually means her personal life is even more private than usual as she adjusts to a new league and a new country.
- Value the Advocacy: Instead of focusing on her marital status, look at her work with body image and her "Triple Threat" brand. That’s where her real legacy is being built.
Maher is single, thriving, and currently one of the most influential women in sports globally. She’s proving that you don’t need a wedding ring to be the "main character" in your own story. Whether she eventually ties the knot or remains the world's most eligible rugby star, she’s doing it on her own terms.
Next Steps: You can stay updated on Ilona's performance with the Bristol Bears by following the official Premiership Women's Rugby standings or checking her latest match highlights on YouTube to see how her transition to XVs is progressing.