The 57-year-old American businessman, LaVar Ball, has been with his wife, Tina Ball, since 1997. Together, they have raised three professional basketball players and operate an athletic brand.
LaVar Christopher Ball, born on October 23, 1967, is an American businessman primarily known as the CEO of Big Baller Brand and founder of the Junior Basketball Association(JBA).
Furthermore, he is also the father of three professional basketball players: Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball.
Additionally, LaVar also played basketball in college and briefly played professional football as a tight end.
However, he never played in an official NFL game.
LaVar Ball Has Been With His Wife, Tina Slatinsky, since 1997
LaVar Ball and his wife, Tina Ball, share a long-standing and committed relationship based on their mutual love of sports and family.
Tina and LaVar Ball met at Cal State Los Angeles. Tina was a standout college basketball player herself.
When LaVar saw Tina, it was apparently love at first sight for him. Moreover, he walked up to her and said,
“You and me, we’re gonna do something. You just don’t know it yet.”.
Via ESPN
Together, LaVar Ball and his wife, Tina Ball, raised their three sons: Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball — each of whom has a successful professional basketball career.
LaVar Ball and his wife, Tina Ball, both have athletic background which obviously influenced their children’s professional careers.
In 2017, Tina Ball suffered a significant health setback when she had a stroke that led to a lengthy hospital stay.
Furthermore, during this time, she faced difficulties with speech due to expressive aphasia, impacting her ability to communicate verbally.
Nonetheless, LaVar Ball maintained support for his wife, encouraging her rehabilitation and recovery.
Despite criticism for focusing on business and promoting his sons’ career during Tina Ball’s recovery, LaVar emphasized his commitment to Tina.
LaVar mentioned that she has been his “one and only” and expressed his admiration for her resilience.
Moreover, the family also shared Tina Ball’s recovery on the Facebook Watch series Ball in the Family, which allowed fans to witness her recovery.
Tina Ball’s story reflects her personal strength and the close bond of the Ball family.
Despite the attention that LaVar receives for his bold statements, Tina remains a key figure in the family.
She has been supporting her children’s careers and has been a foundational part of their lives.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lonzo Ball plays as the point guard for the Chicago Bulls. LiAngelo last played for Astros de Jalisco. LaMelo Ball currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets.
- LaVar Ball dismissed then-president Donald Trump’s claim that he helped secure LiAngelo Ball’s release from China after a shoplifting incident. This led to a feud between LaVar and Trump with Trump labelling LaVar an “ungrateful fool”.
