Knicks WAGs Ali Brunson and Shannon Hart Break Down How They're Keeping Their Families 'Grounded' amid Team's Historic Season (Exclusive)

Tabitha ParentWed, June 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC

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Ali Brunson and Shannon Hart.
Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty for Marie Claire; Stefanie Keenan/Getty for Coin Cloud -

As the Knicks head into the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, Ali Brunson and Shannon Hart, who are married to Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, are holding it down off the court

Chatting exclusively with PEOPLE ahead of Game 1 of the Finals, the two women explain how they're keeping their families — including their young kids — "grounded" in the chaos

To celebrate the two women, brand Frida has dubbed the pair the "Queens of New York," and taken out a full page add in the New York Post in their honor

While all eyes are on the New York Knicks as they head to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, there are two women keeping things together behind the scenes in the lives of NBA stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.Ali Brunson, 30, and Shannon Hart, 31, are both the high school sweethearts of the two beloved New York City-based basketball players. While point guard Jalen and guard Josh might be considered the "Kings of New York" at the moment, there is no doubt that Ali and Shannon are the queens as they manage all the ins and outs of life at home.Together, Ali and Jalen share a daughter, Jordyn, whom they welcomed in the summer of 2024. With Josh, Shannon shares twin boys Hendrix and Haze, 2.The moms are the MVPs of this season — the Most Valuable Parents — according to maternal wellness brand Frida, which has taken out a full page ad in the New York Post, officially crowning the women the "Queens of New York." Just like the brand helps moms by creating solutions for the overlooked physical and emotional challenges of motherhood, Ali and Shannon are creating solutions for their husbands to succeed on the court.

Frida honors Ali Brunson and Shannon Hart as the "Most Valuable Parents" ahead of the New York Knicks' finals run.
Credit: Frida

However, unlike Jalen and Josh, whose efforts on the court have been broadcast across the country for the last few months, Ali and Shannon's contributions are the kind of everyday things that often go unnoticed by the hordes of fans who are no doubt over the moon to see their favorite team in the finals.Chatting with PEOPLE exclusively ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, which is set to take place on Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 p.m., the two MVPs tell PEOPLE about some of the ways they've been putting in the work courtside.Over the last season, both Jalen and Josh's careers have exploded in popularity. However, having been with the two since high school, both Ali and Shannon have found ways to keep their lives as "grounded" as possible amid the hubbub. Ali says that for her and Jalen, "nothing changes.""We still go about our life the same way — focusing on our daughter, family and friends," she shares. "At the end of the day, this is his career and he is truly focused on winning."

Jalen and Ali Brunson with their daughter, Jordyn, 2.
Credit: Ali Marks Brunson/Instagram

Shannon adds that she feels "pretty lucky" that Josh is such a "well-rounded" man. "When he's away for games, I kind of just try to live a normal life and blur out all the extra noise that's going on," she specifies. "Every day we just continue to support each other and make sure each other feels important in our lives."Continuing to raise children amid the craziness of their husbands' full-time careers in the NBA might be hard, but the moms have a few specific tricks up their sleeves. For Ali and Jordyn, 2, it's Mommy and Me classes and playdates with friends. For Shannon and the boys, it's all things family time, including hitting the playground and having family over.

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The moms are also making time for themselves — a necessity for keeping it all together amid their hectic schedules. Both Ali and Shannon are big proponents of movement. Even if it's "only five minutes," Ali is "intentional" about getting some time in. She also teaches weekly classes featuring her Alison Marks Brunson method, which spans the gap between "physical therapy and modern strength training." As for Shannon, she hits the gym "at least" three to four days a week.

Shannon and Josh Hart with their twin sons, Haze Dana and Hendrix Aaron, 2.
Credit: Josh Hart/Instagram

The Knicks will face off against the San Antonio Spurs on June 3, which means the busy season for the Brunsons and the Harts will last until at least June 10's Game 4 in the best-of-seven series.Until then, Ali and Shannon are keeping calm in the best way they know how — staying present with their families."We focus on staying present with each other," Ali says of her relationship with Jalen.Adds Shannon of how she and Josh show up for their boys as co-parents, "We love to do everything together just so they can see us as a family."

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”