Vanessa Bryant has captured hearts worldwide with her strength and grace following the tragic loss of her husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and their daughter Gianna “Gigi” in 2020. As a devoted mom to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, she’s been pouring love into her family and keeping Kobe’s legacy alive through the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Lately, fans have been curious about her personal life, especially whether she’s dating again in 2025.
Let’s explore this with care, diving into her journey with empathy, while sifting through the latest updates to answer: Who is Vanessa Bryant dating now?
Is Vanessa Bryant Dating in 2025?
Vanessa Bryant is not dating anyone and remains single. Since Kobe’s passing, she has not publicly confirmed any new romantic relationships, focusing instead on her daughters and philanthropy. In June 2025, Vanessa addressed swirling online rumors about her allegedly dating a younger basketball player, possibly linked to NBA star Jaylen Brown, with a playful Instagram Story.
She shared a Rihanna meme, captioned, “Me protecting my peace, not pregnant & having fun all summer,” signaling she’s not entertaining gossip about her love life. No credible evidence supports claims of her dating, and she’s made it clear her priority is her family and honoring Kobe and Gigi’s memory.
Vanessa and Kobe: A Love Story That Shaped Her
Vanessa met Kobe Bryant in November 1999 when she was just 17, working as a background dancer on a music video set. Their connection was instant, with Kobe later saying in his 2015 documentary, Kobe Bryant’s Muse, that he couldn’t stop thinking about her between takes. After six months of dating, they got engaged, and on April 18, 2001, they married in a small ceremony in Dana Point, California.
Their 19-year marriage wasn’t without challenges—Kobe’s 2003 sexual assault case and a 2011 divorce filing tested their bond—but they reconciled in 2013, showing their commitment to each other and their four daughters. Vanessa stood by Kobe through public scrutiny, and their love grew stronger, rooted in shared dreams and family.
The loss of Kobe and Gigi in a January 2020 helicopter crash left Vanessa to navigate unimaginable grief. Yet, she’s channeled that pain into purpose, raising Natalia, Bianka, and Capri while keeping Kobe’s legacy alive. Her social media is filled with tributes, like her April 2025 post marking what would have been their 24th wedding anniversary, where she wrote, “It’s not just a number,” showing her heart still holds Kobe close. This enduring love story frames why Vanessa’s focus remains on family, not new romance.
Her Focus on Family and Legacy
Vanessa’s days are filled with being a hands-on mom and leading the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which supports underserved young athletes in honor of Kobe and Gigi. In August 2024, she unveiled a bronze statue outside Crypto.com Arena, capturing Kobe and Gigi’s courtside bond, a moment that moved fans deeply.
She’s also spearheading projects like Mamba & Mambacita Forever, a book showcasing murals dedicated to her late husband and daughter. These efforts show her commitment to preserving their impact, from funding scholarships to releasing Nike sneakers like the Kobe 8 “Mambacita” in April 2024, celebrating Gigi’s would-be 18th birthday.
Her daughters are her heart. In May 2025, Vanessa beamed with pride as Natalia graduated from USC’s film school, her sash adorned with Kobe’s “Black Mamba” symbol. She celebrated Bianka’s 8th birthday in December 2024, calling it her “Daddy Year” for Kobe’s jersey number 8, and shared sweet moments with Capri, who fans say looks just like Kobe. These milestones highlight Vanessa’s role as a nurturing mom, guiding her girls through life’s joysenerator and sorrows while keeping their father’s memory alive.
Navigating Public Scrutiny with Grace
Vanessa’s life in the spotlight hasn’t been easy. Since Kobe’s passing, she’s faced waves of speculation about her personal life. In 2011, during a brief separation from Kobe, rumors linked her to boxer Victor Ortiz, who firmly denied any relationship, saying, “Mrs. Bryant and I have never met.”
More recently, in December 2023, a birthday post for Lakers executive Rob Pelinka sparked chatter, but it was clear they’re just close friends—Pelinka is married and was Kobe’s agent. Similarly, her bond with Pau Gasol, Kobe’s former teammate, has been misconstrued as romantic, despite Gasol being married and simply a supportive friend who sends flowers and checks in on the family.
In June 2025, social media buzzed with claims that Vanessa was dating a 27-year-old basketball player, with some pointing to Jaylen Brown due to viral photo collages. Neither Vanessa nor Brown addressed these claims directly, and no photos or events place them together romantically.
Vanessa’s response was light but firm, using humor to dismiss the gossip while emphasizing her peace. This pattern—rumors flaring, Vanessa staying above the fray—shows her resilience in a world quick to judge.
Why the Dating Rumors Persist
The curiosity about Vanessa’s love life often stems from her status as a celebrity widow. People wonder if she’ll “move on,” but that phrase doesn’t capture her reality. Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and Vanessa’s actions—her tributes to Kobe, her focus on their daughters—suggest she’s not seeking a new chapter in romance.
Society often expects widows to find love again, but Vanessa’s made it clear she’s on her own path. Fans sometimes project their hopes or judgments, with some unfairly criticizing her for choices she hasn’t even made.
Vanessa’s wealth, estimated at $600 million, and her high-profile connections in the NBA and entertainment worlds fuel speculation. Her appearances at events like the November 2024 Baby2Baby Gala, where she stunned in a gold dress, or her friendships with stars like Taylor Swift, keep her in the public eye.
Yet, she’s deliberate about what she shares, posting about her kids, Kobe’s legacy, or fun moments like Disneyland trips, not personal relationships. This restraint invites speculation but also shows her commitment to protecting her heart and family.
Her Strength in the Face of Gossip
Vanessa’s response to rumors is a masterclass in dignity. When pregnancy rumors surfaced alongside dating gossip in June 2025, she didn’t lash out or overexplain. Instead, she posted a motivational quote: “The only way to impress me is by being a good person. I don’t care what you have… I just have deep respect for people with pure hearts and good intentions.”
This, paired with her Rihanna memes, sent a clear message: she’s living life on her terms, unbothered by noise. Her ability to shut down chatter with humor and poise reflects her emotional intelligence and strength, qualities that have carried her through loss and public scrutiny.
She’s also faced harsh judgment, like social media comments criticizing her for supposedly moving on too soon. These remarks, often rooted in misinformation, ignore her reality as a mom and philanthropist navigating life after tragedy. Vanessa’s focus on positivity—sharing moments like Natalia’s graduation or Bianka shooting hoops with WNBA star Candace Parker—shows she’s building a life of joy for her family, not chasing romance.
The Role of Friends and Community
Vanessa’s inner circle, including friends like Pau Gasol, La La Anthony, and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, has been a pillar of support. Gasol, who won two NBA titles with Kobe, has been especially close, sending gifts and joining the Bryants for outings like skiing.
These bonds are often mistaken for romance, but they’re rooted in loyalty to Kobe’s memory. Jeanie Buss personally handed Natalia her diploma at USC, a gesture Vanessa publicly thanked, showing the tight-knit community around her. These friendships highlight how Vanessa is surrounded by love, even if it’s not romantic.
Her public appearances, like attending WNBA games or Beyoncé concerts with Natalia, show her staying connected to the sports and entertainment worlds Kobe loved. These moments aren’t about seeking a new partner but celebrating life with her daughters and friends.
Vanessa’s also used her platform to uplift others, like praising UConn’s women’s basketball team in April 2025, noting Gigi would’ve loved their NCAA win. This balance of personal joy and public impact defines her 2025.
What Might the Future Hold?
Could Vanessa date again someday? Maybe. She’s only 43, vibrant, and full of life. But there’s no rush, no pressure to fit anyone else’s timeline. Her marriage to Kobe was a once-in-a-lifetime love, and right now, her heart seems full with her daughters and their shared mission to honor Kobe and Gigi.
If she does choose to date, it’ll be on her terms, likely away from the public eye until she’s ready to share. For now, her story is one of resilience, motherhood, and legacy—not romance.
The lack of evidence for any current relationship, combined with her clear focus elsewhere, suggests dating isn’t on her radar. Fans hoping for updates might look to her Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her life, but don’t expect hints of a boyfriend. Vanessa’s narrative is about healing, not replacing what she and Kobe built.
Conclusion
Vanessa Bryant’s life in 2025 is a testament to love that endures beyond loss. She’s not dating, not remarried, and not chasing the rumors that swirl around her. Instead, she’s raising her daughters, running a foundation that changes lives, and keeping Kobe and Gigi’s spirits alive through statues, sneakers, and stories. Her response to gossip—witty, firm, and grounded in self-respect—shows a woman who knows her worth and won’t let the world define her.
For fans wondering about her love life, the answer is simple: Vanessa’s heart is with her family and Kobe’s legacy. Let’s celebrate her for that, giving her the space to live, laugh, and love her way.
