Blake Griffin, Francesca Aiello. Amanda Edwards/WireImage; Courtesy of Francesca Aiello/Instagram
Former NBA star Blake Griffin is engaged to swimwear designer Francesca Aiello.
A source exclusively tells Us Weekly that Griffin, 35, popped the question to Aiello, 29, around the holidays and the couple has been keeping it low-key and under wraps. The source said Griffin does not like his relationships to be in the public eye.
Aiello hinted at some big news via Instagram on Wednesday, January 22, showing off a giant, mysterious ring on her left hand. Many of Aiello’s famous friends commented on the post with congratulatory messages.
“Omg Frankie!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!” wrote April Love Geary, wife of singer Robin Thicke. Keleigh Teller, wife of actor Miles Teller, commented with a diamond emoji.
Several stars are taking the next step in their relationship in 2025 by making things official with their significant other. Days after the New Year, Zendaya sparked engagement speculation when she was spotted on the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet with a ring on her left hand. While inside the awards show ceremony on January […]
Kendall Jenner, who dated Griffin from 2017 to early 2018, also seemingly gave her stamp of approval. “🥰🥹🤍,” Jenner, 29, commented on the post.
The basketball star — who retired from the NBA in April 2024 after a 14 season career — was previously engaged to Brynn Cameron, with whom he shares two children: son Ford, 11, and daughter Finley, 8. The couple split in the summer of 2017.
Griffin and Aiello, the founder of swimwear brand Frankies Bikinis, first started dating in June 2018 before breaking things off. They reconnected in August 2023 and have been together since.
“I never envisioned myself as the guy who would have a ‘letter to basketball’ retirement announcement … and I’m still not going to be that guy,” Griffin wrote via Instagram last year. “But as I reflected on my career, the one feeling I kept coming back to and the one thing I wanted to express was thankfulness.”
After being selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin also played for the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics over the course of his career.
Gabrielle Union, Ayesha Curry, Jordyn Woods and more stars have settled down with professional basketball players over the years. The Bring It On actress, for her part, met Dwyane Wade in 2007 at a Super Bowl party. The two called it quits in early 2013 due to conflicting schedules and long-distance difficulties, but rekindled their […]
“I’m thankful for every single moment — not just the good ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks and the memorable times spent with family, friends, fans, teammates and coaches,” Griffin continued. “I could continue on about the people in my life who have contributed immensely to my career, but in this short non-letter, I have to acknowledge my parents, Tommy and Gail, and my brother, Taylor, for their unconditional support and guidance.”
Griffin concluded his statement, “The game of basketball has given me so much in this life, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Last but certainly not least, here comes the obligatory ‘I’m excited for my next chapter’ part: just kidding. I’m done.”
Days before announcing his NBA retirement, Griffin’s production company Mortal Media signed with WME for representation on its scripted and unscripted slate. Griffin, who has made guest appearances on shows like Broad City and The Eric Andre Show, also signed with the agency for theatrical representation.
Reporting by Amanda Williams
