Jalen Brunson revealed the real reason why he and his fiancée Ali Marks did not sign a prenuptial agreement, even though the two have already held a wedding ceremony and are living together. Everyone has been saying the same thing — it’s because he’s afraid.
“Not About Fear”: Jalen Brunson Reveals the Real Reason He and Ali Marks Didn’t Sign a Prenup — And Why Everyone’s Talking
In the glitz and grind of the NBA, where loyalty is often tested by contracts, trades, and bottom-line business moves, it’s rare to see a story that echoes pure vulnerability and commitment. Yet that’s exactly what unfolded when Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks’ dynamic point guard, revealed why he and his longtime partner Ali Marks chose not to sign a prenuptial agreement before tying the knot.
In a moment of emotional candor during a recent interview with Players Unfiltered, Brunson laid bare the decision that has sparked a flurry of debate among fans, financial advisors, and social media observers alike. His explanation? “It’s not because I’m afraid. It’s because I believe in forever.”
And just like that, a private decision became the talk of the basketball world—and beyond.
The Wedding of the Year
Before we dive into the controversy, let’s rewind a bit. Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks were married in a breathtaking private ceremony earlier this year. Held at a scenic estate on the outskirts of Chicago, the wedding was a carefully curated event blending elegance and intimacy. While the couple opted for privacy—sharing only a few select photos on social media—the moment didn’t escape fans’ attention.
Brunson, fresh off a historic season where he led the Knicks deep into the playoffs and earned recognition as the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, seemed to be winning off the court as well. The two had met back in high school and weathered the long-distance pressures of college, his early NBA years in Dallas, and his move to New York.
Fans celebrated their relationship as a symbol of enduring love amid the chaos of modern celebrity life. But that celebration soon gave way to questions when whispers emerged that the couple had not signed a prenuptial agreement.
The Prenup Revelation
Rumors swirled until Brunson addressed the matter head-on. During the interview, the question was posed directly: “Did you and Ali sign a prenup?”
Brunson didn’t flinch.
“No, we didn’t. And that’s not something I’m afraid to talk about,” he said. “We’ve been together since we were kids. We grew up, grew apart, and came back stronger. I know what people are saying—that I’m scared, or I’m being naïve. But I don’t see love through the lens of fear.”
The statement hit social media like a thunderclap. One of the NBA’s brightest stars, currently on a deal worth over $100 million and poised for a possible supermax extension, had just declared he’d opted out of one of the most standard financial safeguards in the world of high-net-worth marriages.
Fans and pundits didn’t hold back.
“Brunson better pray she’s the one,” one user posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“He’s afraid to lose her, so he gave her the bag up front,” another said.
And perhaps the most common refrain: “He’s scared.”
But is that really what’s happening?
Beyond the Noise: Brunson’s Perspective
In a world where prenups are viewed as standard practice for anyone with significant assets—especially athletes—Brunson’s choice is undeniably unconventional. Yet, rather than shrinking from the criticism, he elaborated further in a follow-up segment on Knicks All Access.
“I’m not afraid of losing money. I’m afraid of losing her trust,” Brunson said. “Ali isn’t in this for the lifestyle. She was with me before there was any lifestyle. She was with me when I was just a backup guard trying to prove myself.”
According to sources close to the couple, Ali Marks has long stood as a stabilizing force in Brunson’s life. With a doctorate in physical therapy and a thriving career of her own, Marks isn’t reliant on Brunson financially. Friends describe her as independent, grounded, and uninterested in the trappings of celebrity culture.
Still, the question lingers—was love alone enough to justify forgoing a legal agreement designed to protect individual assets?
The Business of Love
Marriage in the NBA isn’t just a romantic union—it’s a business decision, especially for players whose net worth can exceed hundreds of millions in endorsements, salaries, and investments. According to family law experts, over 80% of NBA players now enter marriage with some form of prenuptial agreement.
“Prenups don’t mean you don’t trust your partner,” says Sylvia Hartman, a celebrity divorce attorney in Los Angeles. “They mean you understand that life is unpredictable, and you’re planning responsibly.”
Brunson’s decision, then, flies in the face of current convention—and exposes him to significant financial risk in the event of a divorce. But as Hartman points out, that choice also reflects a deeper kind of emotional commitment.
“What Jalen’s saying, essentially, is that he views this relationship as a partnership in every sense. He’s saying, ‘If we built this life together, we share it—win or lose.’ That’s romantic. Risky, but romantic.”
NBA Reactions: Support and Skepticism
Brunson’s fellow NBA stars have offered a mix of support and caution.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for his own grounded off-court values, commented, “If it works for them, great. Every couple is different. But always protect your peace, man.”
Meanwhile, a former All-Star who asked to remain anonymous told The Athletic, “I made that mistake early in my career. I didn’t get a prenup. And when things ended, I lost more than money. I lost my focus for almost two seasons.”
Yet others pointed out the rarity of long-standing, pre-fame relationships in the NBA world. “This isn’t a groupie situation,” said Knicks forward Josh Hart. “Ali’s been there from Day 1. You can’t fake that kind of history.”
The Fans: Polarized but Engaged
Unsurprisingly, fans and followers have taken firm positions on both sides.
Supporters praise Brunson’s integrity and romanticism. “He’s showing what real love looks like,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “He’s saying, ‘I trust you so much I’m putting everything on the line.’ That’s powerful.”
Critics, however, see naivety. “It’s not about love—it’s about being smart,” said one viral TikTok financial coach. “Love doesn’t prevent legal battles. Ask Dr. Dre. Ask Kanye. Ask anyone.”
Even relationship therapists have chimed in. Dr. Helen Corvino, a couples’ counselor with experience advising celebrity clients, says the decision may speak to Brunson’s deep emotional security.
“Choosing not to sign a prenup is often less about fear and more about identity. If Jalen sees himself as someone who values trust above all, this choice aligns with his values. But values don’t erase consequences. It’s a high-integrity decision—but also a high-risk one.”
Ali Marks: Silent, But Steady
So far, Ali Marks has not made any public statements about the prenup discussion. But those close to her say she’s unbothered by the public discourse.
“She doesn’t see herself as a ‘WAG’ or someone who needs to justify her relationship,” says one source from Northwestern University, where Marks earned her degree. “She’s got her own goals, her own practice. She’s in this marriage because she loves Jalen, not because of his bank account.”
Indeed, a scroll through Marks’ social media shows a life of quiet professionalism: clinic photos, fitness posts, and the occasional candid moment with Brunson. There are no flashy bags, no red carpet thirst traps, no signs of seeking the spotlight.
And that, perhaps, is exactly why Brunson made the choice he did.
Trust Over Terms
Ultimately, Jalen Brunson’s rejection of a prenuptial agreement may be less about fear and more about conviction—his belief in love, loyalty, and longevity.
“When you’ve gone through what we’ve gone through,” Brunson said in his final statement on the topic, “you stop seeing everything through a legal lens. You start seeing it through a legacy lens. I’m building something with Ali. Not just a family. A legacy. That’s bigger than any prenup.”
Still, his decision will remain controversial. In a world that rarely rewards emotional risks, Brunson’s stand is both admirable and, to some, alarming.
But if his career has proven anything—from being overlooked on draft night to becoming one of the league’s most elite floor generals—it’s that Jalen Brunson trusts his instincts. And so far, they haven’t let him down.
Love, it seems, is no exception.
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Sources:
Players Unfiltered interview (2025)
Knicks All Access exclusive segment
NBA legal and financial expert commentary
Public social media posts by Ali Marks and Jalen Brunson
Industry analysts and player testimonial
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