Adele CONFIRMS new romance with Rich Paul as they are spotted packing on the PDA on flirty date

Adele and LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul have confirmed their romance, packing on the PDA while enjoying a double date at popular NYC eatery Cipriani on Thursday.

In pictures obtained by The Sun, Rich, 39, can be seen with his arm around the 33-year-old hit-maker, and even appeared to stroke her back at one point.

Clearly giddy with excitement to be in one another’s company, Rich’s wide smile was visible in the snaps, with the publication reporting that they didn’t leave the restaurant until 11pm.

It’s official! Adele, 33, and Rich Paul, 39, have confirmed their romance, packing on the PDA while enjoying a double date at popular NYC eatery Cipriani on Thursday (pictured together at the NBA finals in July)

Showing off her slimmed-down frame, Adele looked typically trendy in a black Balenciaga football top, teaming the luxury piece with ripped jeans and a pair of chic heels.

Rich opted for a denim jacket, black jeans and white trainers.

He went mask-free while chatting away to his new partner outside the high-end restaurant, but Adele opted to cover her nose and mouth with a black face mask.

It comes after the pair were spotted looking cosy as they sat courtside at game 5 of the NBA Finals in Phoenix, Arizona earlier in July.

Sweet: In pictures obtained by The Sun, Rich can be seen with his arm around the hit-maker, and even appeared to stroke her back at one point (pictured together at the NBA finals in July)

Making a rare public appearance to watch the Phoenix Suns unsuccessfully take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a match watched by millions nationwide, the singer was pictured laughing with Rich, who leant into her.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘They are often seen with other but clearly act like a couple.’

Touching upon their courtside appearance, the paper further reported that TV host Brian Windhorst said during a post-match podcast: ‘Rich Paul brings his girlfriend to the game to sit next to LeBron. His girlfriend is Adele.’

Who is Adele’s ‘new boyfriend’ Rich Paul?

The 411: Agent Rich Paul represents some of the NBA’s biggest stars and is said to be dating Adele [pictured 2019]

Rich Paul is one of the NBA’s top sports agents, with basketball stars including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons and John Wall on his books.

The 39-year-old is worth an estimated $46 million (£33.4 million) and has negotiated more than $1 billion in active deals for his high-profile clients during his career.

In 2020, he made Forbes’ list of the world’s top 10 most powerful sports agents, hitting No. 9 on the list. He was classed No. 2 globally in basketball. He was also featured on the 2020 Ebony Power 100 List.

He is the founder of Klutch Sports, part of United Talent Agency (UTA), which leapt up 23 places on the list of the world’s most valuable sports agencies within a five year period, following Paul’s involvement. Paul now leads UTA’s sports division.

He was raised in Cleveland in a one-bedroom apartment above his father’s store, R & J Confectionery and went to a Roman Catholic high school.

His first foray into business saw him buying vintage sports jerseys from Atlanta, selling them out of his car n Cleveland, often making $10,000 per week.

He met LeBron James at the Akron–Canton Airport in 2002, selling him a jersey. They have been friends and now colleagues, ever since. 

Elsewhere, agent Rich dropped a major hint at his closeness with Adele in a New Yorker profile written about him in May this year.

During the interview Rich was joined by political consultant Adam Mendelsohn, who he was heard saying ‘she was over yesterday’ to, referring to the singer.

He then clarified the statement later during the chat, ‘dropping the name of a major pop star,’ according to Just Jared.

Adam then asked Rich, ‘Doing what?’ in reference to her being at his house, with Rich replying: ‘Hanging out.’

Adam then said, ‘Why are you hanging out?’ to which Rich answered, ‘Why not?’

Rich then told the reporter: ‘I’m not dating, I’m single. Put that in the story.’

Hint: During a May interview Rich was joined by political consultant Adam Mendelsohn, who he was heard saying ‘she was over yesterday’ to, referring to the singer (Rich and LeBron pictured in 2010) 

The Cold Shoulder songstress and Rich both come from modest backgrounds, with Adele growing up above a furniture store with her single mother Penny in south London.

Meanwhile Rich lived in a one-bed apartment above a grocery shop run by his father Rich Sr and would start work at 6.30am serving shoppers in Cleveland, Ohio.

Both have now carved out successful careers, with Rich now worth an estimated $46 million (£33.4 million), having negotiated more than $1 billion in active deals for his high-profile clients during his career.

Similarly, Adele – who currently live in LA – is one of the wealthiest singers in the world, with a net worth of £130million, now counting several A-list celebrities as friends.

Happy days: Adele – who currently live in LA – is one of the wealthiest singers in the world, with a net worth of £130million, now counting several A-list celebrities as friends

In 2020, Rich made Forbes’ list of the world’s top 10 most powerful sports agents, hitting No. 9 on the list.

After making his fortune, he bought his late mother a Mercedes and his sister a house.

Rich met LeBron James in 2002 at an airport on the way to Atlanta, with the sportsman approaching him to chat about the vintage sports shirt he was wearing.

Speaking in 2014, Rich said of the encounter: ‘It was fate. I could have missed the plane. I could have taken an earlier flight. I could have not worn the jersey.

‘I could have been having a bad day and not spoken to him.’

LeBron, 36, said: ‘We hit it off instantly. Every time I was doing something I’d call Rich and ask if he can make it.

‘And he’d say, ”I’ll be right there”, and he was.’

They worked together since the chance meeting and in 2012 Rich became LeBron’s agent.

Rich is also the founder of Klutch Sports, part of United Talent Agency (UTA), which leapt up 23 places on the list of the world’s most valuable sports agencies within a five year period, following Paul’s involvement. Paul now leads UTA’s sports division.

Adele finalised her divorce from ex Simon Konecki in March and the pair share custody of son Angelo, eight.

Success: In 2020, Rich made Forbes’ list of the world’s top 10 most powerful sports agents, hitting No. 9 on the list (pictured with Anthony Davis in 2019)