What is LaVar Ball's Net Worth?
LaVar Ball is a renowned American businessman and former professional football player known for co-founding Big Baller Brand and creating the Junior Basketball Association. As of now, LaVar Ball has amassed a net worth of $4 million.
Ball, who had a stint in collegiate basketball, also briefly played professional football with the London Monarchs. The father of three NBA players, LaVar has become a media sensation due to his outspoken, and often controversial, statements.
LaVar's sons are Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball, and LiAngelo Ball.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born in Los Angeles in 1967, LaVar Ball grew up with four brothers and two sisters. He attended Canoga Park High School, excelling as a quarterback and forward in football and basketball respectively, even setting a school record in rebounds.
Ball played collegiate basketball at West Los Angeles College, Washington State University, and Cal State Los Angeles. He later played football at Long Beach City College and signed with the New York Jets in the NFL, subsequently playing for the WLAF's London Monarchs. Despite his athletic talents, injuries hindered his NFL career, leading him to retire and pursue personal training.
Big Baller Brand
LaVar co-founded Big Baller Brand in 2016 and serves as its CEO. In a bold move, he designed the ZO2, a signature shoe for his son Lonzo, in 2017, retailing at $495. The shoe garnered significant attention but also highlighted LaVar's insistence on unique endorsement deals. Additionally, the brand released an autographed version of the shoe for $995 and a $220 sandal.
"We said from the beginning, we aren't looking for an endorsement deal. We're looking for co-branding, a true partner. But they're not ready for that because they're not used to that model. But hey, the taxi industry wasn't ready for Uber either."
Lonzo Ball distanced himself from Big Baller Brand in 2019 after allegations surfaced that co-founder Alan Foster had embezzled $1.5 million. Lonzo has since been associated with Nike.
Junior Basketball Association
LaVar founded the Junior Basketball Association in 2017 as an alternative to NCAA basketball, allowing high school and junior college players to play professionally. However, the league struggled with contract issues and faced criticism for prioritizing the Ball family's interests. The JBA was eventually dissolved in 2019.
Media Controversy
LaVar Ball is no stranger to controversy. Since 2016, he has made numerous provocative claims in the media, such as forecasting his sons' dominance in the NBA and critiquing established basketball stars like Stephen Curry and Michael Jordan.
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Ball's media appearances have often sparked backlash. For instance, he was criticized for sexist comments made during his appearance on Fox Sports' "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," leading to further disputes, and was later barred from ESPN in 2019 following inappropriate remarks.
Incident in China
In November 2017, LaVar's son LiAngelo and two UCLA teammates were arrested for shoplifting in China. Although charges were dropped and LiAngelo faced no legal repercussions, the scandal led to a public spat between LaVar and then-President Donald Trump, who claimed credit for the players' release.
Personal Life
LaVar married Tina Slatinsky in 1997, whom he met at Cal State Los Angeles. Together they have three sons: Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, all of whom have pursued professional basketball careers. LaVar played a significant role in coaching his sons from a young age, shaping their paths to the NBA and beyond.
