Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1967, LaVar Ball grew up in a large family with four brothers and two sisters. His athletic prowess was evident from a young age, leading him to become a standout player in both basketball and football at Canoga Park High School. As a forward, Ball set a school record with 316 rebounds in a single season.
Following high school, Ball pursued college basketball at West Los Angeles College before transferring to Washington State University and later Cal State Los Angeles. After his collegiate basketball stint, Ball briefly switched to football, playing a season at Long Beach City College. This transition led him to sign with the NFL’s New York Jets, which assigned him to the World League of American Football’s London Monarchs. Unfortunately, his professional football career was short-lived as he never recorded a catch and was relegated to practice squads for the Jets and Carolina Panthers. An injury ultimately ended his football aspirations, leading him to a career as a personal trainer before venturing into the business world.
Big Baller Brand: A Bold Business Move
In 2016, Ball co-founded Big Baller Brand (BBB), a sports apparel company, alongside Alan Foster. He also assumed the role of CEO, emphasizing that the company was built around his family’s basketball dynasty. His bold approach to marketing, often making controversial statements to generate attention, helped BBB gain traction in the sports industry.
In 2017, when major shoe brands declined to offer endorsement deals for his eldest son, Lonzo Ball, LaVar took matters into his own hands. He announced the ZO2 sneaker, which retailed for a staggering $495. Comparatively, Michael Jordan’s first shoe retailed for $64 in 1985, equivalent to approximately $150 today. Additionally, an autographed version of the ZO2 was priced at $995, and BBB introduced a $220 sandal.
Ball defended his pricing strategy by stating that his brand was not looking for endorsement deals but rather a co-branding partnership, similar to the revolutionary business model seen in the ride-sharing industry with Uber.
Despite the hype, BBB encountered multiple challenges. Lonzo Ball was associated with the brand while playing at UCLA, raising concerns about NCAA eligibility. Later, BBB launched a signature shoe for LaMelo Ball, which further complicated NCAA regulations. In 2019, Lonzo severed ties with BBB, alleging that Alan Foster had embezzled $1.5 million from the company, prompting a significant downfall for the brand. Lonzo later transitioned to Nike, while BBB faded from the mainstream.
The Short-Lived Junior Basketball Association (JBA)
In 2017, Ball attempted to revolutionize the basketball landscape by creating the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), an alternative to college basketball that allowed high school and junior college players to play professionally without NCAA restrictions. The league, funded by Big Baller Brand, promised high salaries and complete player control over merchandise. Players exclusively wore BBB-branded uniforms and shoes.
However, the JBA faced severe criticism. Many accused Ball of creating the league to elevate his sons’ profiles at the expense of other players. Additionally, reports surfaced that the league failed to honor contracts and lacked proper infrastructure. Due to these issues, the JBA folded in 2019, marking another setback in Ball’s business ventures.
Media Controversy and Public Image
LaVar Ball gained national attention in 2016 when he began making bold claims about his sons’ future in professional basketball. He initially predicted that Lonzo would lead UCLA to an NCAA championship, and all three of his sons would become top NBA prospects after just one year in college.
In March 2017, Ball controversially claimed that Lonzo was a better player than two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry and went even further by asserting that he himself could defeat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one game during his prime. His brash style made him a regular guest on sports talk shows, where he often clashed with analysts and hosts.
One of Ball’s most infamous incidents occurred in May 2017 on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. During the interview, he refused to acknowledge co-host Kristine Leahy and told her to “stay in your lane” after she questioned BBB’s sales numbers. The phrase became a slogan for BBB merchandise, drawing both support and criticism. He faced further backlash at the Adidas Summer Championships that year when he demanded the removal of a female referee who had given him a technical foul. In 2019, ESPN informally banned him from appearing on its network after he made a suggestive comment toward a female host on First Take.
LiAngelo Ball’s Arrest in China
In 2017, Ball found himself in an international controversy when his middle son, LiAngelo Ball, was arrested in China for shoplifting along with two UCLA teammates. The incident occurred days before UCLA’s season opener in Shanghai, leading to widespread diplomatic and media scrutiny.
LiAngelo faced the possibility of a multi-year prison sentence, but Chinese authorities eventually dropped the charges. Despite this, UCLA suspended him indefinitely, leading Ball to withdraw his son from the program. During this time, Ball also feuded with then-President Donald Trump, who claimed credit for securing LiAngelo’s release, sparking a heated Twitter exchange between the two.
Personal Life and Basketball Family Legacy
LaVar Ball has been married to Tina Slatinsky since 1997. The couple has three sons: Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, all of whom have pursued professional basketball careers.
Lonzo Ball was drafted second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and has since played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls. LaMelo Ball became the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets. LiAngelo Ball, although not drafted, has pursued opportunities in the NBA G League and overseas professional leagues.
In addition to his role as a father and mentor, LaVar Ball briefly served as an assistant coach and later as head coach for Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas in Lithuania when his sons LiAngelo and LaMelo played for the team.
LaVar Ball’s Net Worth and Business Future
As of 2025, LaVar Ball’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. His wealth primarily comes from Big Baller Brand, media appearances, and various business ventures. While BBB has lost much of its momentum, Ball remains a highly recognizable figure in the sports world due to his controversial takes and outspoken nature.
Despite setbacks with BBB and the JBA, Ball continues to find ways to remain relevant. His ability to generate media attention ensures that he remains a key figure in discussions surrounding basketball, entrepreneurship, and sports marketing. Whether through new business endeavors or continued media appearances, LaVar Ball remains a polarizing but influential personality in the sports industry.