LaVar Ball and his wife, Tina Ball, have reportedly ended their marriage after nearly three decades together, marking a significant change for one of basketball’s most recognizable families. The announcement came directly from LaVar Ball during a livestream appearance on June 24, 2026, where he revealed that the couple had separated and that Tina had filed for divorce.
The news surprised many fans who have followed the Ball family since the rise of their three sons—Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball—to professional basketball. While the family has overcome major personal and health challenges over the years, this latest development signals the beginning of a new chapter for both LaVar and Tina.
LaVar Ball Confirms the Separation
During a livestream with content creator N3on, LaVar Ball spoke publicly about his relationship for the first time since reports of the split surfaced.
According to LaVar, Tina decided to end the marriage after nearly 30 years together. He explained that she wanted to “go her own way” and acknowledged her decision without expressing bitterness.
LaVar also shared that he has started dating someone new, indicating that both he and Tina are moving forward with their lives.
Although the announcement attracted widespread attention online, Tina Ball has not publicly commented on the separation, and neither have the couple’s three sons.
A Marriage That Began in College
LaVar and Tina Ball’s relationship dates back to their college years at California State University, Los Angeles.
Both were talented basketball players and met while competing at the university. Their shared passion for sports helped form a strong bond, eventually leading to their marriage in 1997.
Over the following decades, they built not only a family but also a recognizable public brand that became closely associated with youth basketball and the rise of their sons’ careers.
Their long-lasting relationship was often viewed as one of the foundations behind the family’s success.
Parents of Three NBA Players
Together, LaVar and Tina raised three sons who each pursued professional basketball careers.
Their eldest son, Lonzo Ball, reached the NBA after being selected near the top of the draft and has enjoyed a successful professional career.
LiAngelo Ball has played professionally while continuing to pursue opportunities in basketball and other ventures.
Youngest son LaMelo Ball has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, earning recognition as a franchise cornerstone for the Charlotte Hornets.
Throughout their sons’ rise, both parents remained actively involved, attending games, supporting their development and appearing together in interviews and family projects.
Tina Ball’s Career Beyond Basketball
Although many fans know Tina Ball through the family’s television appearances, she established her own career long before becoming a public figure.
After graduating from college, she worked as a middle school physical education teacher and later served as an athletic director.
Her background in sports and education played an important role in raising three highly competitive athletes while maintaining a structured family environment.
She also contributed to Big Baller Brand by working as a lead designer, helping support the family’s growing business ventures.
Overcoming Serious Health Challenges
The Ball family has faced several significant health issues in recent years.
In 2017, Tina Ball suffered a major stroke that dramatically affected her ability to speak. She was later diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impacts language and communication.
Her rehabilitation became a central storyline on the family’s reality series, where viewers watched her determination and gradual recovery.
More recently, LaVar Ball experienced his own medical emergency. In early 2025, complications related to diabetes led to a severe infection that required doctors to perform a below-the-knee amputation of his right leg.
Despite those difficult experiences, both continued focusing on family and recovery.
Reality Television Introduced the Family
Millions of viewers became familiar with the Ball family through the reality series Ball in the Family.
The show offered behind-the-scenes access to the family’s daily life as their sons advanced through high school, college and professional basketball.
Unlike many sports documentaries, the series also highlighted personal moments, including Tina’s recovery after her stroke and the family’s efforts to support one another during difficult times.
These experiences helped audiences see a more personal side of the family beyond headlines and basketball.
LaVar Reflects on Three Decades Together
Although announcing the end of his marriage, LaVar spoke respectfully about the years he shared with Tina.
He described their relationship as a meaningful part of his life and expressed gratitude for the decades they spent together raising their family.
Rather than focusing on conflict, his comments emphasized appreciation for the life they built and the memories they created.
His remarks suggested that despite the separation, he continues to value the role Tina played in both his personal life and the success of their family.
Public Reaction to the News
Fans reacted with surprise after learning about the couple’s separation.
Many expressed support for both LaVar and Tina, recognizing the challenges they have faced over the years, particularly their respective health battles.
Others reflected on the family’s long history in the public eye and wished them privacy as they move through this transition.
Because Tina has remained largely out of the spotlight in recent years while focusing on her recovery, many supporters also shared messages encouraging her continued health and well-being.
What Comes Next?
At this stage, few additional details about the divorce have been made public.
Neither Tina Ball nor the Ball brothers have released official statements regarding the separation, and legal proceedings have not been discussed publicly.
For now, the family’s attention appears focused on moving forward individually while continuing to support one another.
Although LaVar and Tina’s marriage has come to an end after nearly 30 years, their shared legacy remains significant. Together, they raised three professional basketball players, built a nationally recognized family brand and navigated numerous personal challenges. As this new chapter begins, many fans will continue following their journey with respect and interest.