Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has attracted renewed attention following his public comments about Ayesha Curry’s acting career and her marriage to Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. The controversy has also brought interest to Arenas’ personal life, particularly his wife, Melli Monaco, who frequently appears alongside him in online discussions about relationships and marriage.
Gilbert Arenas married French content creator Melli Monaco in January 2025 after announcing their engagement in Paris the previous summer. The former Washington Wizards star was previously engaged to reality television personality Laura Govan, with whom he shares four children, but they never married.
Who Is Gilbert Arenas’ Wife Melli Monaco?
Melli Monaco is a French-born social media personality, YouTuber, model and relationship content creator. She has developed an online following through videos discussing dating, communication and modern relationships.
Before becoming widely known as Arenas’ wife, Monaco hosted online conversations in which she interacted directly with viewers and discussed their experiences with dating.
Her content often combines humor with personal opinions about relationships. She has also pursued interests in music and modeling.
Monaco became more familiar to American basketball audiences after her relationship with Arenas became public. The couple now occasionally appear together in videos and podcast discussions.
Despite her husband’s professional basketball background, Monaco has maintained her own identity as an online personality.
How Did Gilbert Arenas and Melli Monaco Meet?
Arenas and Monaco reportedly connected through social media after the former NBA player joined one of her livestreams.
Their initial online interaction developed into a romantic relationship, which they later shared publicly.
In August 2024, Arenas proposed to Monaco during a trip to Paris, France.
The proposal took place near the Eiffel Tower, and Arenas shared the occasion with followers on Instagram.
He jokingly explained that he had been so nervous during the proposal that he almost answered his own question before Monaco could respond.
The engagement attracted attention because Arenas had previously experienced a lengthy and highly publicized relationship with Laura Govan.
When Did Gilbert Arenas Marry Melli Monaco?
Gilbert Arenas and Melli Monaco married in January 2025 during a private ceremony.
The former basketball player announced their marriage through Instagram, sharing photographs of the newlyweds wearing their wedding outfits.
Monaco wore a white halter-neck dress and a veil, while Arenas chose a dark formal suit with a bow tie.
The couple did not publicly reveal extensive details about their wedding guests or celebration.
Several months later, they discussed their experiences as newlyweds in a video published on Monaco’s YouTube channel.
Monaco explained that marriage required both partners to accept each other’s personalities while remaining willing to make adjustments.
Arenas admitted that married life had been better than he initially expected.
Their conversation offered viewers a more personal look at their relationship beyond the humor and disagreements often featured in their online content.
Was Laura Govan Gilbert Arenas’ First Wife?
Laura Govan was Gilbert Arenas’ longtime girlfriend and former fiancée, not his wife.
The two began dating in 2002 while Arenas was establishing himself in the NBA.
Govan later became known for appearing on Basketball Wives LA, which brought additional attention to their relationship.
They became engaged in 2008 but never married.
Their relationship ended in 2014 following years of public disagreements and personal difficulties.
Despite their separation, Arenas and Govan remained connected through their four children.
His marriage to Melli Monaco in 2025 was his first publicly confirmed marriage.
How Many Children Does Gilbert Arenas Have?
Gilbert Arenas is the father of five children from previous relationships.
He shares four children with Laura Govan: Izela, Alijah, Hamiley and Aloni Arenas.
His youngest daughter, Gia, is from his relationship with Lindsey Faulk.
Several of his children have developed interests in competitive sports.
His son Alijah became a highly regarded basketball prospect and joined the USC Trojans, while his daughter Izela pursued college basketball at Louisville.
Arenas has frequently discussed his involvement in his children’s athletic development and the responsibilities of fatherhood.
There has been no widely confirmed announcement that Arenas and Melli Monaco have welcomed a child together.
Gilbert Arenas and Melli Monaco’s Marriage Draws Public Attention
Arenas and Monaco have continued discussing marriage and relationships through their online platforms.
In October 2026, Arenas attracted criticism after suggesting that his daughters should adjust their expectations if they eventually date professional basketball players.
He made the comments during a podcast conversation involving Monaco, explaining that professional athletes often have demanding schedules.
The discussion generated debate about relationship expectations and the advice he gives his children.
More recently, Arenas faced criticism over his remarks about Ayesha Curry’s romantic movie scene, which prompted Stephen Curry to publicly defend his wife.
As of November 2026, Gilbert Arenas and Melli Monaco remain publicly identified as husband and wife. Their relationship continues to attract attention through their social media appearances, podcast conversations and discussions about married life.