Former NBA player Matt Barnes has spent decades in the public eye, but his personal life often generates as much curiosity as his basketball career. When people search for Matt Barnes wife, they are usually looking for details about Anansa Sims, her background, and their unconventional journey to marriage.
Anansa Sims is a prominent model and television personality. She is also fashion royalty by birth, being the daughter of legendary supermodel Beverly Johnson, who made history in 1974 as the first Black woman to grace the cover of American Vogue. Matt Barnes and Anansa Sims share a blended family and a relationship history filled with public milestones, growth, and a New Year's Eve wedding.
Early Connection and Reconnecting Years Later
The story of Matt and Anansa doesn't begin on the professional basketball court; it starts during their college days. The pair first crossed paths while attending UCLA. Back then, they didn't date, as both were involved in separate relationships. Life took them in different directions for over a decade, during which both experienced high-profile marriages and public relationships.
They finally reconnected in 2018 during NBA All-Star weekend, running into each other through a mutual friend. That reunion sparked a romance that quickly brought their lives together. By blending their families and navigating the realities of co-parenting, they became a fixture in entertainment media, even starring together on reality television to showcase their blended household dynamics.
The Road to Marriage: A New Year's Eve Wedding
Like many long-term relationships, Matt and Anansa experienced bumps along the road, including public breakups and reconciliations. However, a major turning point occurred in March 2025. Matt began attending church regularly, a spiritual shift that eventually prompted him to invite Anansa to join him. To his surprise, she agreed.
This shared spiritual step anchored their relationship. Anansa noticed a profound change in Matt, marking a moment where they realized they were on the right path. They officially reconciled later that year and waste no time making it permanent, tying the knot on New Year's Eve 2025 in a quick, intimate ceremony.
Blended Family and Children
Today, Matt and Anansa manage a large, active household that combines children from their prior relationships alongside children they share together.
- Matt's past marriage: Matt shares twin sons, Carter and Isaiah, with his ex-wife, Gloria Govan, whom he divorced in 2015.
- Anansa's past family: Anansa shares three children with her former husband, David Patterson Jr.
- Shared children: Matt and Anansa have children together, expanding their bustling family.
Managing six children requires coordination, patience, and clear boundaries, especially while living under the constant scrutiny of sports media and public interest.
Matt Barnes's Prior Marriages and Dating History
To fully understand Matt's current domestic stability, it helps to look at his past relationships. Before his relationship with Anansa, Matt was famously married to Gloria Govan, a former star of VH1's Basketball Wives. Matt and Gloria began dating in 2006, welcomed their twin sons, and married in 2013 before separating in 2014 and officially divorcing in 2015.
Following his split from Govan, Matt's dating life frequently made headlines. He was linked to several high-profile figures in the entertainment and reality TV sphere, including brief relationships and rumored romances with names like Rihanna and Cyn Santana. However, none of those post-divorce relationships resulted in a permanent partnership, paving the way for his reconnection with Anansa Sims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matt Barnes married to?
Matt Barnes is married to Anansa Sims, a model and the daughter of iconic supermodel Beverly Johnson. The couple married on New Year's Eve 2025.
Who is Anansa Sims's mother?
Anansa's mother is Beverly Johnson, a trailblazing fashion model who made history in 1974 by becoming the first Black woman on the cover of American Vogue.
How many children do Matt Barnes and Anansa Sims have?
The couple manages a large blended family that includes children from their previous relationships as well as children they share together.
Was Matt Barnes married before?
Yes, Matt Barnes was previously married to Gloria Govan, a former cast member of Basketball Wives. They divorced in 2015.
