Nelly Korda might dominate the fairways, but now it looks like she’s also winning in the romance department—and the internet cannot deal. After a whirlwind week of tournament play, the world’s top-ranked golfer was photographed courtside at an NBA game… but it’s who she was sitting next to that’s got fans losing their minds.
Enter: a very familiar, very handsome pro athlete, known for his slam dunks and GQ-worthy jawline (don’t worry, we’ll get to that). The two were seen laughing, leaning in close, and looking suspiciously like more than just casual acquaintances. One particularly bold shot captured Nelly resting her hand—ever so casually—on his knee. Subtle? Yes. Innocent? The fans say: absolutely not.
Within hours, the photo went viral. Sports blogs picked it up. Twitter detectives began comparing Instagram stories. And a certain TikTok influencer posted a full breakdown of “The Clues That Nelly’s Totally in Love.” We’re talking timestamp analysis. Matching emojis. The works.
So who is the mystery man?
None other than rising NBA star Jalen Carter, known for his athletic explosiveness and, apparently, his taste in elite golfers. The two have reportedly crossed paths at charity events and brand appearances—but this is the first time we’ve seen them in full cozy mode.
Naturally, the golf world is spiraling. “If this is real, they’re like Tiger and Elin 2.0—but hotter,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “Golf’s most composed queen and basketball’s wild card? Inject it into my veins.”
Nelly, for her part, hasn’t confirmed or denied a thing. But her Instagram post the next day—featuring a soft smile, oversized hoodie, and the caption “Off-season vibes” with a 🖤 emoji—only fanned the flames.
And the NBA star? He shared a story of a putting green… with a golf ball that had a pink heart on it. Okay, now they’re messing with us.
Whether this is the birth of a full-on sports power couple or just a friendly courtside hangout, one thing’s clear: Nelly Korda knows how to keep fans guessing. And whether she’s draining birdies or sparking dating rumors, she does it all with style, mystery, and a swing that never misses.