The towering figure of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a six-time NBA champion and one of basketball’s most iconic legends, has always maintained a fiercely private personal life despite his public superstardom. As of December 13, 2025, the seven-foot-two icon is widely believed to be single and not currently married, focusing his time on his roles as an author, cultural critic, and activist. This current status is a consistent theme following a series of high-profile relationships that defined his early career.
The intense curiosity surrounding the personal life of the former Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks center often leads fans to search for his current partner. While no confirmed "girlfriend" or wife is publicly known today, a look back at his complex and intriguing dating history reveals connections to a famous actress, a long-term partner who became a mother to one of his sons, and the woman who converted to Islam with him.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Full Biography and Profile
Before diving into his romantic history, understanding the man behind the legendary "Skyhook" is crucial. Born as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., the future NBA star’s life was marked by a profound transformation that included a change of name, religion, and perspective.
- Full Name: Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. (Birth Name); Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Current Name)
- Date of Birth: April 16, 1947
- Age: 78 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Harlem, New York, U.S.
- Height: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
- College Career: UCLA (under Coach John Wooden)
- NBA Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975), Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989)
- Key Achievements: 6× NBA Champion, 6× NBA MVP, 19× NBA All-Star, All-Time NBA Scoring Leader (until 2023), NBA Hall of Famer.
- Conversion to Islam: Changed his name from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1973.
The Intimate History: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Wives and Girlfriends
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s romantic life has been characterized by a single marriage and several significant relationships that produced five children. Each partner played a unique role during a pivotal phase of his life, from his college years to his peak NBA stardom.
1. Janice Habiba Brown: The First Wife
Kareem’s first and only marriage was to Janice Brown. The couple tied the knot in 1971, the same year he converted to Islam. Janice, in turn, also converted and took the name Habiba Abdul-Jabbar.
Their marriage lasted until 1978, but the couple had already separated in 1973. Despite the separation, they continued to have children, a complex family dynamic that has been noted in various biographies.
Together, they had three children: two daughters, Habiba Jr. and Sultana, and a son, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr. Their relationship laid the foundation for his large family, which remains a central part of his life.
2. Pam Grier: The College Sweetheart
One of the earliest and most famous of Kareem’s relationships was with the iconic actress Pam Grier. Known for her roles in Blaxploitation films like Foxy Brown and Jackie Brown, Grier dated the basketball star during his college years at UCLA.
Grier has spoken publicly about their time together, describing a relationship that was serious but ultimately did not last. This connection links the NBA legend to a major figure in Hollywood history, adding another layer to his public persona.
3. Cheryl Pistono: Mother of His Son Amir
Cheryl Pistono is arguably the most significant of Kareem’s long-term partners after his divorce. Their relationship, which began around 1979, was notable for a few key reasons.
Pistono is the mother of his son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar.
A dramatic event in 1983 brought their relationship into the public eye: a devastating fire at Kareem’s Bel-Air mansion. Reports confirm that Cheryl and their young son, Amir, were fortunate to escape the blaze through a window. This detail, often overlooked, highlights the depth of their commitment during a tumultuous period in his life.
4. Other Noteworthy Encounters: Heather Hunter and Julye Olds
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dating history also includes connections to other women, reflecting the life of a global sports celebrity.
- Heather Hunter: The American author, rapper, and former adult actress is believed to have had an encounter or relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- Julye Olds: Julye Olds is another name that appears in his dating history, confirming a pattern of relationships following his divorce from Habiba.
Additionally, Kareem has a fifth child, a son named Adam Abdul-Jabbar. While the mother's name is not consistently publicized in the snippets, the existence of a fifth child with a third woman further illustrates the complexity of his personal life outside of his official marriage.
The Current Status: Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Single in 2025?
For fans searching for the latest news on "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's girlfriend," the answer is a compelling lack of information. Based on the most current available records and public appearances, the NBA legend is not married and is widely considered to be "possibly single."
His post-NBA career has been focused on intellectual and cultural pursuits, which may explain the lack of a highly publicized romantic partner. His time is now largely dedicated to:
- Writing: He is a prolific author, having penned several best-selling books on history, culture, and social issues.
- Activism and Commentary: He is a respected columnist and social critic, using his platform to discuss race, politics, and current events.
- Family: He remains a committed father to his five children—Habiba Jr., Kareem Jr., Sultana, Amir, and Adam—and a grandfather.
While his personal life remains guarded, his professional life is managed by long-time partner and manager, Deborah Morales. While not a romantic partner, Morales plays a key role in his public and business endeavors, focusing on his brand partnerships and legacy.
In conclusion, the legendary Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., now known globally as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, has a fascinating and multi-layered romantic history that includes a single marriage and several significant relationships that produced his five children. However, as of late 2024 and into 2025, there is no public confirmation of a current "girlfriend" or wife, suggesting the legendary center is enjoying life as a single man dedicated to his family and his powerful role as a cultural commentator.
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