Basketball has always loved a power couple. From the days of Rick Fox and Vanessa Williams to the modern-day spotlight on A'ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo, fans have a weird, almost obsessive fascination with seeing two elite athletes find each other. But none have sparked quite as much digital noise recently as the pairing of Wendell Carter Jr and Angel Reese.
It wasn't a sudden "official" announcement with a press release. No, this was a slow burn of Instagram stories, blurry courtside sightings, and enough "subtle" hints to keep the gossip mills running for months. Honestly, if you were watching closely throughout late 2025, you could see the pieces falling into place long before they said a word.
The "Locked In" Moment
Everything changed in November 2025. Wendell Carter Jr., the Orlando Magic's defensive anchor, sat down for an interview on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. Naturally, the hosts didn't waste time. Chandler Parsons asked the question everyone wanted to know.
Wendell's response? It was kinda hilarious, actually. He called Angel Reese his "homie."
"That’s the homie for sure. We locked in," he said, trying to keep it cool while grinning from ear to ear. "Y’all gonna find out when y’all need to find out. We’ll just leave it at that. That’s my girl, though. We locked in for sure."
The internet didn't miss the "homie" part. Neither did Angel. She hopped on X (formerly Twitter) almost immediately with a two-word response that went viral: "Period homie."
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It was the ultimate soft-launch confirmation. By the time they were seen together in Berlin for the NBA’s first regular-season game in Germany on January 15, 2026, the secret was long gone. Angel sat courtside at Uber Arena, wrapped in a luxe black fur outfit, watching the Magic take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Carter Jr. put up 9 points and 6 rebounds that night, but for the cameras, the real story was the "Bayou Barbie" cheering him on from the front row.
How it All Actually Started
If you trace the timeline back, this wasn't an overnight thing. The first real sparks flew back in May 2025. Wendell was spotted at Angel Reese’s 23rd birthday bash. People were curious, but hey, athletes run in the same circles. It could've just been a friendship.
Then came the WNBA All-Star Game in July. Wendell didn't just show up; he showed up wearing a T-shirt with Angel's face on it. That’s not "just a friend" behavior.
The Slow Drip of Hints
- The Flowers: In June, Angel posted a TikTok with massive bouquets of roses and Hermès boxes. She didn't name names, but the smile said enough.
- The Jersey: By December 2025, Angel was spotted at a Magic game wearing a custom jersey with "My Man" on the back.
- The Jewelry: On Christmas Day, Angel shared a photo wearing a necklace with the initials "WCJ."
It’s a masterclass in modern celebrity branding. They controlled the narrative by giving fans just enough to stay interested without losing their privacy entirely.
Why the Pairing Makes Sense
When you look at their personalities, it’s a pretty interesting match. Angel Reese is a supernova. She’s the face of the Chicago Sky, a Victoria’s Secret model, and a rebounding machine who broke records in her first two WNBA seasons. She lives in the spotlight.
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Wendell, on the other hand, is a bit more understated. He’s a Duke alum, a former top-10 pick, and a guy who does the dirty work in the paint for Orlando. He’s been in the league since 2018, having spent his early years with the Chicago Bulls—a fun connection considering Angel plays for the Sky.
Reese actually talked about her "type" on her podcast before things got serious. She mentioned she wanted someone at least 6’7” or 6’8” and preferably a pro hooper. At 6’10”, Wendell fits the physical bill, but it seems to be more than just height.
The Competitive Edge
One of the funniest moments in this whole saga was when Wendell was asked if he and Angel could beat Bam Adebayo and A’ja Wilson in a game of two-on-two. Wendell didn't hesitate. He basically said he’s a competitor and he’s always going to ride with the "home team."
It’s bold. A’ja is a multi-time MVP and champion. But that’s the kind of confidence you need when you're half of a high-profile sports couple.
Dealing with the Noise
It hasn't all been easy. Being Wendell Carter Jr and Angel Reese means every stat line is scrutinized through the lens of their relationship. When Wendell has a double-double, fans call it "the Angel Reese effect." When she’s courtside, the pressure is on.
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But honestly? They seem to be handling it better than most. They haven't let the "polarizing" nature of Angel's fame—she's always had her share of critics—interfere with the support they show each other. Whether it's Angel traveling to Germany in the WNBA offseason or Wendell wearing her merch, they’re showing a level of stability that’s rare for young stars in their 20s.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As of January 2026, the relationship seems stronger than ever. Angel is gearing up for her next season with the Chicago Sky after an injury-shortened 2025, and Wendell is firmly entrenched as a key piece of the Magic’s future.
If you're following their journey, here are the best ways to keep up without falling for the fake rumors:
- Watch the Courtside Seats: Angel is a regular at Magic games when her schedule allows. Her fashion choices often contain subtle nods to Wendell.
- Check the Podcasts: Both athletes are surprisingly open in long-form interviews like Run It Back or Angel's own media ventures.
- Follow the "Home Team" Mentality: They’ve both made it clear they are each other’s biggest fans.
The era of the NBA-WNBA power couple isn't just a trend; it's a testament to how the basketball world is becoming more interconnected. Wendell and Angel are just the latest—and perhaps the most stylish—proof of that.
Next Steps for Fans: If you're looking to support both players, keep an eye on the Chicago Sky's 2026 schedule to see if Wendell makes any return appearances to his old stomping grounds in Chicago. You can also follow their verified social media accounts for direct updates, as they've proven they prefer to "soft-launch" major news themselves rather than through traditional media outlets.