Olivia Harlan Dekker's Family: Meet Husband Sam Dekker & Their Two Sons

Olivia Harlan Dekker has built an impressive career as a sportscaster, working for ESPN, Westwood One, and Sky Sports. But behind the scenes, she's also building a beautiful family with her husband, former NBA player Sam Dekker.

Together, they've created a life that spans across the Atlantic, and they're now proud parents to two sons.

Many of you who have seen Olivia on your screens might not know that she is married and the mother of two kids.

In this regard, let’s take a closer look at this sports power couple and their growing family.

Who Is Olivia Harlan Dekker?

Olivia Harlan Dekker is the daughter of Kevin Harlan, is one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, and granddaughter of Bob Harlan, who was the President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers for over two decades.

Olivia herself is an American sportscaster best known for covering the NFL on Westwood One Sports and Big Ten Network basketball. She is also popular for working as a sideline reporter for ESPN College Football.

Despite having a famous father, Olivia carved her own path in the broadcasting world. She attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 2014, and began her career as a sideline reporter for ESPN College Football.

In February 2024, Olivia and her father, Kevin Harlan, became the first father-daughter duo to ever call a Super Bowl.

She was part of Sky Sports' broadcast team covering Super Bowl LVIII, while her father called the game for Westwood One.

Who Is Sam Dekker?

Sam Dekker is Olivia's husband and a professional basketball player. Born on May 6, 1994, Dekker was a standout at the University of Wisconsin, leading the Badgers to two Final Four appearances.

He was drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2015 NBA Draft. Over his NBA career, Dekker played for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors.

He also spent time playing overseas in Turkey before signing with the London Lions in August 2022.

In his first season with the London Lions, Dekker was named the British Basketball League's Player of the Year, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

Sam played for Joventut Badalona from 2024 to 2026 until terminating his contract with the team to seek treatment for his shoulder injuries.

He was hired as an assistant coach by the University of South Carolina men's basketball team I May 2026.

Olivia Harlan Dekker and Sam Dekker’s Married Life

Olivia Harlan and Sam Dekker's love story didn't start with a chance encounter. It began with a mutual friend who was convinced they would be the perfect match.

At the time, Olivia was living in Atlanta, covering the NBA, so when her friend mentioned that Sam was an NBA player, her initial reaction was less than enthusiastic.

Recalling it with The Knot, Olivia said that her friend gave her number to Sam. Olivia couldn’t deny that her friend was right once she started talking with the basketball player.

According to Olivia, Sam was so persistent that he quickly won her over. He was so sure about her that he proposed her just eight months after dating.

Well, Sam and Oliver are now happily married and parents of two kids.

The couple tied the wedding knot on July 14, 2018, in Wisconsin, the place where they grew up just two hours away from each other.

They had their big day at Horseshoe Bay Golf Club in Door County, Wisconsin, which is very near and dear to Olivia’s heart as she spent summer at her family home in Door County growing up. They celebrated their union with 160 family members and friends.

Since saying "I do," Sam and Olivia's married life have been giving relationship goals to people who have been following them online.

The has relocated six times throughout Sam's basketball career, moving from team to team and even across continents.

In August 2022, Sam signed with the London Lions of the British Basketball League. The move meant uprooting their lives once again, but the family embraced it wholeheartedly. Olivia found a role with Sky Sports in London, continuing her broadcasting career while supporting Sam's basketball journey.

Olivia had a job there and their two-year-old son had spent most of his life there. Everything about their life felt cemented in London as they had an apartment there, a great nanny and friends.

In an Instagram post shared in November 2023, Sam thanked his wife for doing it all and more fir them. He also thanked their son for being the biggest blessing in their lives.

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Olivia Harlan Dekker Children

Olivia and her husband of eight years, Sam, have built a family of four. Their first child, their son Harlan Wolf Dekker, whom they call Wolfie, was born on 9th May 2022.

His name Harlan is a tribute to Olivia’s father, Kevin Harlan, and grandfather, Bob Harlan.

Olivia shared the news of the arrival of their first baby through X saying, “Meet 💙Harlan Wolf Dekker💙 “Wolfie” is so handsome and healthy, and we are so grateful and happy. God is so good!.”

On Wolfie’s first birthday, Olivia shared online saying that her pregnancy started in Toronto and continued in Istanbul but Wolfie was born in Kansas City. She even wrote on her Instagram caption how her son charms everyone he meets and seems to go out if his way to find and wave at the grumpiest person in the elevator.

The couple was blessed with their second son, Christian Moon Dekker, in October 2025. He was born on the Harvest Moon so they went rogue with his middle name last minute.

Olivia is now surrounded by the love of her husband and children and is often seen giving glimpses into her family life through her social media posts.

The Dekker family spent the 2025 holiday in Barcelona, Spain. They even went to the Pyrenees Mountains in November 2025 where Wolfie and Christian had their first snow experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Olivia Harlan Dekker?

Olivia Harlan Dekker is a sportscaster known for working with ESPN, Westwood One, and Sky Sports. She is the daughter of legendary broadcaster Kevin Harlan and the wife of former NBA player Sam Dekker.

How many children do Olivia and Sam Dekker have?

Olivia and Sam Dekker have two sons. Their first son, Harlan Wolf Dekker, was born on 9th May 2022 and their second son, Christian Moon Dekker, was born in October 2025.

When did Olivia Harlan and Sam Dekker get married?

Olivia and Sam got married on July 14, 2018, 14 months after their engagement.

What team does Sam Dekker play for?

Sam Dekker has now officially retired from professional basketball career. However, he is active as a coach after he was hired as an assistant coach by the University of South Carolina men's basketball team.