Former NBA All-Star Blake Griffin has officially traded in his jersey for a wedding band. The 37-year-old, who spent 14 seasons dazzling fans with his high-flying dunks, has secretly married Francesca Aiello, the founder of the swimwear brand Frankies Bikinis. The news was confirmed by a representative for Griffin, according to PEOPLE.
Fans first caught wind of the nuptials when Griffin was spotted wearing a gold wedding ring at several public appearances throughout October. The subtle accessory was a far cry from the slam-dunk contests that made him a household name, but it was enough to set the rumor mill spinning.
Aiello, who has built a fashion empire with her bikini line, hinted at the engagement back in 2025 when she posted a series of photos on social media. Sharp-eyed followers noticed a sparkling ring on her finger, though she kept the post caption-free, letting the jewelry do the talking.
The couple's romance has had its share of twists and turns. They were first linked in June 2018 after being spotted leaving Nobu in Malibu and later seen sharing a kiss on the beach. After a brief split in August 2020, they rekindled their relationship by 2023, proving that some love stories just need a timeout.
In May 2025, Griffin gave fans a glimpse into their wedding plans, telling Us Weekly that the celebration would be “chill” and “laid back.” Clearly, he meant it—the couple managed to keep the ceremony under wraps until now.
Griffin's basketball résumé is nothing short of spectacular. He burst onto the scene with the Los Angeles Clippers, winning Rookie of the Year in 2011 and capturing the NBA Slam Dunk Contest that same year with a leap over a car that still gives fans goosebumps. During his nine seasons in Los Angeles, he earned five All-Star nods and four All-NBA selections, becoming the face of the “Lob City” era.
After a trade to the Detroit Pistons in 2018, Griffin's career began to wind down, though he still managed to add another All-Star appearance and All-NBA selection to his ledger. He spent his final two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, playing his last game in April 2023—a six-minute stint in a playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He officially retired on April 16, 2024.
Off the court, Griffin is a father of two from his previous relationship with Brynn Cameron. Now, with a new chapter beginning, the former dunk champion seems ready to enjoy a quieter life—one that includes a gold band and a partner who knows a thing or two about making waves.
Griffin's wedding news comes amid a wave of recent celebrity losses, including the passing of former Cowboys punter Kasey Redfern and WNBA legend Dawn Staley mourning her former teammate. But for Griffin, this is a moment of joy—a reminder that even after the final buzzer, love can still take center court.
