Panthers quiz Bam Adebayo’s loyalty after he wears Golden Knights jersey in Las Vegas
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Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo drew an unexpected rebuke from the Florida Panthers after he and Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson attended Game 3 of the NHL’s Western Conference finals in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 25, 2026.
A photograph showed both athletes wearing Vegas Golden Knights sweaters while watching the matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena. Soon after the image appeared online, the Panthers’ official account replied, “Bam… wyd” followed by a wilted-flower emoji.
The South Florida hockey club’s reaction came in part because Adebayo has been a visible supporter of the Panthers. Last season he wore a customized No. 13 Panthers jersey and struck the ceremonial drum before Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. He also congratulated the team on social media when it won the Cup.
Facing questions about divided loyalties, Adebayo posted a video on X later that night. Displaying a Panthers sweater, he captioned the clip, “don’t ever disrespect my loyalty,” and explained he left the jersey at home because “I was with somebody.” The “somebody” was Wilson, with whom he confirmed a relationship in February 2025 after rumors dating back to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Panthers signaled acceptance with a follow-up post: “Bam forever a real one.”
On the ice, Vegas erased a 3-0 deficit to beat Colorado 5-3 and move ahead 3-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Source: ESPN
