If you’ve watched a single Indiana Pacers home game lately, you’ve probably seen her. She’s usually courtside, decked out in custom gear, and honestly, she’s often more animated than the coaches.
We’re talking about Jade Jones, the longtime partner and now-fiancée of NBA superstar Tyrese Haliburton.
But here’s the thing. Most people see a "WAG" on Instagram and assume it’s all private jets and courtside selfies. With Jade and Tyrese, the reality is a lot more "small-town Iowa" than "Hollywood glitz." They aren't some manufactured power couple put together by a PR firm. They’re college sweethearts who’ve been together since before Tyrese was a household name.
From Hilton Coliseum to the NBA Finals
Basically, their story started at Iowa State University in 2019. Tyrese was the lanky, high-IQ point guard for the Cyclones, and Jade was a cheerleader.
It’s a classic sports movie trope, right? The star player and the cheerleader. But they actually stuck. They started dating in April 2019 and survived the chaos of the NBA Draft, a trade from Sacramento to Indiana, and Tyrese’s meteoric rise to becoming one of the best facilitators in the world.
In July 2025, things got very official.
Tyrese went back to where it all began. He took Jade to the center of the court at Hilton Coliseum—the same floor where he played his college ball—and dropped to one knee. He did it while wearing a walking boot, too. He had just finished a grueling playoff run that ended in a Finals loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and was dealing with a nasty Achilles injury.
Talk about a bittersweet summer. Losing the Finals but winning the "next chapter," as he called it.
She’s actually a teacher?
This is the part that surprises people.
While she has a massive social media following (over 70,000 on Instagram alone), Jade Jones isn't just an influencer. She’s a professional educator. She studied education at Iowa State and has worked as an elementary school teacher at Walcott Elementary in Iowa.
Tyrese even trolls her about it. He once commented on her Instagram asking her to "show him around Walcott anytime."
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It’s rare to see that kind of groundedness in the NBA world. You’ve got a guy making $260 million on a max contract, and his fiancée is still passionate about teaching first graders. It says a lot about why their relationship has lasted six-plus years.
The Viral Moments and "Standing on Business"
Jade isn't exactly a wallflower during games.
During the 2025 NBA Finals, she went viral for a pretty heated exchange with Thunder fans at the Paycom Center. She was spotted standing up, yelling back at the home crowd, and basically refusing to be intimidated.
NBA Twitter, as you can imagine, was split.
- Half the fans called her a "real one" for defending her man.
- The other half told her to sit down because Tyrese only had 5 points that night.
Either way, she doesn't care. She’s been his "biggest cheerleader" since 2019, and that hasn't changed just because the stakes are higher now. She even traveled to Paris in 2024 to watch him win an Olympic Gold Medal, despite him not getting a ton of playing time.
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The "Ames" Connection
If you want to know how serious they are, look at their dog.
In 2021, while they were living in California during Tyrese's rookie year with the Kings, they were bored out of their minds because of COVID-19 restrictions. Tyrese was nervous about the responsibility, but they ended up getting a mini goldendoodle.
They named him Ames.
If you aren't a college hoops fan, Ames is the city where Iowa State is located. It’s a permanent nod to the place they met. Tyrese has said in interviews that Ames (the dog) is the one person who doesn't care if he had 15 assists or 5 turnovers. He just wants to play.
When is the Wedding?
If you’re looking for a date, keep your calendar clear for 2026.
Jade recently dropped a major update on her Instagram stories, showing off her massive diamond ring from The Clear Cut with the caption: “2026 the year I become a wifeyyyy.”
It makes sense. Between Tyrese’s recovery from his Achilles injury and the relentless NBA schedule, 2026 gives them enough breathing room to actually enjoy the celebration.
Why this relationship actually matters for Pacers fans
Usually, fans don't care about a player's dating life. But with Haliburton, it’s different. Indiana is a "basketball state" that values loyalty and stability. Seeing their franchise cornerstone in a stable, long-term relationship with someone who actually has a career and roots in the Midwest makes him feel more like a "local."
It’s a stark contrast to the typical NBA drama. No messy breakups, no cryptic tweets—just a couple of Iowa State alums trying to win a ring and raise a goldendoodle.
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Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to keep up with the wedding prep or see the "real" side of their life, follow Jade on Instagram. She’s much more active with the behind-the-scenes content than Tyrese is. Also, keep an eye on the Pacers' injury reports—Tyrese’s return to the court in 2026 will likely coincide with their wedding year, making it a massive comeback season for the Haliburton household.