Who is Gilbert Arenas’ wife Melli Monaco? Exploring the personal details of ex-NBA star's personal life after his arrest

The arrest of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas in connection with an alleged illegal poker operation has sparked fresh curiosity about his personal life, particularly his wife, Melli Monaco.

As headlines swirl around Arenas, fans have turned their attention to Monaco, a woman whose rise to online fame is as compelling as her whirlwind romance with the ex-basketball player. From music to YouTube to matrimony, Monaco has built a brand for its name. Here’s what you need to know about Gilbert Arenas’s wife Melli Monaco.

Everything to know about Gilbert Arenas’s wife, Melli Monaco

Born in France and now living in the United States, Melli Monaco is a singer, songwriter, YouTube content creator, and popular relationship coach online.

With over 784K subscribers on her self-titled YouTube channel, Monaco offers advice on everything from dating etiquette to sexual dynamics, often speaking directly to men. Her viral hit, “Do THIS When a Girl Looks At YOU!” surpassed a million views and helped cement her voice as both candid and influential.She began her career as a musician, releasing the track “War” in 2020, but it was her video series like The Pineapple Show— a live dating show format— that truly shot her to prominence.

Her mix of raw honesty, humor, and glamor has made her content highly engaging across demographics. She's also tried on products from Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty line and frequently posts lifestyle vlogs and reaction videos.Despite her bold internet persona, Monaco’s personal life has remained relatively low-profile until her relationship with Gilbert Arenas put her back in the spotlight.

Gilbert Arenas and Melli Monaco’s digital meet-cute turned real-life love story

Gilbert Arenas and Melli Monaco’s love story began in the most modern way possible— through a livestream.

Arenas dropped into her broadcast and made his intentions known in the comments section. With a little nudge from fans watching live, Monaco noticed him, and the connection was born. Fast forward to August 2024, and Arenas popped the question in front of the Eiffel Tower.

“The Eiffel Tower is Where it happened, She said nothing 🤷🏾‍♂️😂 I guess I was so nervous, I asked and answered 💥yes 💥for her 🥴🥴🥴 so I’m technically engaged to myself at the moment 😬 @mellimonaco still waiting 🙏🏿,” Arenas jokingly wrote on Instagram after the proposal.By January 2025, the couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, details of which remain private. Arenas posted wedding photos showing them beaming, with Monaco in a white halter-neck mini dress and Arenas in a navy blue suit. “I finally did it y’all @mellimonaco is officially Mrs Arenas ❤️,” he shared in the caption.

Prior to Monaco, Arenas had a high-profile engagement to Basketball Wives star Laura Govan, with whom he shares four children.

Monaco now shares a close bond with the kids, once posting a Father’s Day tribute featuring all of them together.Now, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested on federal charges tied to illegal gambling. Authorities claim he ran high-stakes poker games out of his Encino mansion, drawing attention from federal investigators. The case has landed him in hot water, with his first court appearance set for this Thursday in Los Angeles.The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged Arenas with conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business. He’s also accused of lying to federal agents during the investigation. These charges could carry heavy consequences, especially with the scale and secrecy surrounding the poker games in question.Also Read: What did Gilbert Arenas do? Former NBA player arrested for allegedly running illegal gambling operations

FAQs

Who is Melli Monaco?Melli Monaco is a French-American YouTuber, singer, and relationship coach with a growing online following.How did Melli Monaco and Gilbert Arenas meet?They met during one of Monaco’s livestreams, where Arenas expressed interest in her through the comments.Is Melli Monaco married to Gilbert Arenas?Yes, the couple got married in January 2025 after getting engaged in August 2024.