LaVar Ball’s ex-wife, Tina Ball, has largely stayed out of the spotlight despite helping build one of basketball’s most recognizable families. The former college basketball player and longtime supporter of her sons, Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball, returned to the headlines after LaVar revealed that the couple had ended their nearly three-decade relationship.Speaking during a June 24 livestream with content creator N3on, LaVar Ball said Tina “decided to go her own way,” marking a significant personal change for the family. The announcement came as the Ball family was already navigating a busy offseason, with LaMelo Ball recently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves and LaVar continuing his recovery from major health complications.
Who is LaVar Ball’s ex-wife, Tina Ball?
Lavar Ball and Tina Ball. Image via: Cassy Athena/ Getty Images
Tina Ball, whose maiden name is Tina Slatinsky, was an accomplished basketball player long before becoming known as the matriarch of the Ball family. Born in December 1967, she attended Alta Loma High School in California, where she earned All-Baseline League honors after averaging 15.8 points and 18.2 rebounds per game.She later continued her basketball career at California State University, Los Angeles, playing for the Golden Eagles. It was there that she met LaVar Ball, who also played college basketball. Their shared athletic backgrounds became the foundation of a relationship that lasted nearly 30 years.Later, Tina worked as a physical education teacher and athletic director before serving as a lead designer for Big Baller Brand. Unlike her outspoken husband, she largely avoided the public spotlight while supporting her family’s basketball journey.In 2017, Tina suffered a major stroke that left her with aphasia, a condition affecting speech and communication. Throughout her recovery, LaVar frequently spoke about her resilience, telling The Washington Post at the time, “As long as she can smile, give a kiss and a hug, I’m good.”
LaVar Ball and Tina Ball end nearly 30-year marriage
LaVar Ball publicly revealed the separation during a June 24 livestream with N3on, explaining that the decision came from Tina.“You know, with my wife, Tina decided to go her own way. That’s why you don’t see her right here,” Ball said.“She wanted to go do something else, that’s fine with me. We had our run. We had our run.”Despite confirming the split, Ball spoke warmly about their years together and reflected on Tina’s recovery after her stroke.“So, even though she had the stroke, and getting older, she would never be like, ‘Oh, man.’ She was always beautiful in my eyes, until you say I want to go do something else.”He added that he holds no resentment toward the end of the relationship.“The fact that if you decide to go this way, I’m gonna go that way. That’s fine. It is what it is, man. Any time you can find somebody you can stay in love with for a really long time… if you can witness that love, that’s good. I had that with her.”
Is LaVar Ball dating anyone?
Ball also revealed that he has entered a new relationship.“And I found somebody else, but it is what it is.”When asked for more details, he declined to discuss his new partner, telling N3on he “didn’t need to worry about it.”The revelation follows another challenging year for LaVar, who disclosed in March 2025 that complications from diabetes ultimately led to the amputation of his right leg after multiple surgeries.
Who are LaVar Ball and Tina Ball’s sons?
Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo Ball. Image via: Lonzo Ball/ Instagram
Lonzo Ball, the eldest, entered the NBA after being selected second overall in the 2017 draft. After stops with the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls, he most recently played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and is currently an unrestricted free agent.LiAngelo Ball briefly pursued professional basketball before transitioning into music. He has since focused on his recording career.LaMelo Ball, the youngest, became the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and won NBA Rookie of the Year. He recently began a new chapter in his career after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
