Paul Pierce Fights Ex's $30K Child Support Demand

NBA legend Paul Pierce is in the middle of a legal battle with his ex-girlfriend Princess Santiago over child support for their newborn son. She is demanding $30,000 a month, but the former basketball star argues that the amount is excessive and is offering to pay much less.

In court documents, Pierce claims his income is about to drop significantly. He hasn't played in the NBA since 2017, and his career earnings exceeded $200 million. His main income now comes from Fox Sports, where he worked as an analyst, but that contract ends in September 2026, after which his income will be cut nearly in half.

According to the filing, Paul Pierce reported income of $1.5 million for 2025. He also emphasizes his other financial obligations: he pays $20,000 a month in spousal support and $24,000 a month in child support for four other children.

Pierce proposes to pay about $4,145 a month for his son King, far less than the requested amount. He also asks for joint legal and physical custody, while Santiago wants sole custody. The basketball star notes that he has been voluntarily paying $5,000 a month.

In his filing, Pierce points out that Princess earns over $400,000 a year and does not have limited financial resources as she claims. He also complains about her behavior, including long text messages on unrelated topics and harassment of his girlfriend.

The child support dispute is not the only issue. Pierce denies his ex's allegations of excessive drinking, calling them nonsense. He insists he lives a quiet, stable life with his girlfriend and does not drink to excess.

The case has drawn media and fan attention, as Paul Pierce is one of the most recognizable NBA players of his generation, a 2008 champion with the Boston Celtics. His personal life is now under scrutiny, and the outcome could affect his reputation.

Experts note that such disputes between celebrities often drag on and may end in a compromise. The court's decision is pending, but both sides appear determined.