LaMelo Ball has found himself embroiled in a $200 million legal dispute. As per recent reports, Alan Foster, the co-founder of Big Baller Brand, has filed a lawsuit against LaMelo, LaVar, and Tina Ball. All lawsuits fall under claims of trademark infringement, unfair business practices, and, notably, fraud. Foster alleges that he was unfairly denied millions in profits for conceptualizing LaMelo’s MB1 line of signature shoes. Despite conceiving the label and shoe designs and filing “several” trademarks, he alleges not receiving due compensation for his contributions. In addition, he is also dragging sportswear giant PUMA for infringing his trademarks when creating LaMelo Ball’s signature shoe, MB.01.

However, this is not his first rodeo with the Ball family. Both parties have engaged in a persistent tug of war over the years over issues with their BBB business. Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we unravel the Ball family’s controversial history with Alan Foster.

Ball family’s turbulent past with Alan Foster

Alan Foster and the Ball family came close when LaVar’s son became friends with Alan’s son in seventh grade. Their bond only grew with time and soon blossomed into a partnership when Foster put forth the proposal for a new brand. This brought to life the Big Baller Brand, the source of their constant struggles over the years.

$200,000,000 Lawsuit Knocks on LaVar and LaMelo Ball’s Doorsteps

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy

April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT

“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA

April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT

Bryce James’ Nike Title Quest Gets Mom Savannah Fired Up After Dominant 1st Outing

April 28, 2024 02:01 AM EDT

Draymond Green ‘Disappointed’ In Anthony Davis For Throwing Darvin Ham Under The Bus On Live TV

April 27, 2024 02:44 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Initially, their business plan was going according to the script. But the tides turned when Alan Foster’s alleged “fraudulent scheme” to steal north of $1.5 million from the company came to light. Lonzo sued Foster for $2 million after money from his personal and business finances went missing. It was only after this that he found that Foster served 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud and two counts of money laundering, totaling $4 million in fraud.

However, in Foster’s version of events, LaVar Ball is the one responsible for the embezzlement of funds. Foster counter-sued LaVar for using $2.5 million from their companies (Big Baller Brand and the Ball Sports Group) to fund his lavish lifestyle. While the dispute is still ongoing, Foster doubled down on the Ball family with a new $200 million lawsuit in the federal court in California earlier this week.

Details on LaMelo Ball’s $200 million lawsuit

Following the aforementioned chain of events, the Ball family ousted Foster from the company. The Big Baller Brand then came back to business again under the same name after a 10-month hiatus. As per the lawsuit, LaVar relaunched BBB using trademarked properties, originally developed with Foster’s assistance.

The alleged motive behind a second version was to transfer over Foster’s trademarks, effectively excluding him from the “huge profits” generated by the flourishing venture.

Foster wrote in the lawsuit, “LaMelo was instrumental in creating his first signature shoe with Big Baller Brand. He was fully aware of the existence of the LaMelo Trademarks — he helped design them!”

As per Foster, Melo deliberately infringed on the protected intellectual property of Foster. Melo, being aware of the trademark, inked a $100 million deal with PUMA for the release of his signature shoes. Consequently, Foster contends that the defendants should be held accountable for damages exceeding $200 million.

Watch this story: Fuming Over 2020 Fiasco, LaMelo Ball’s Father Strikes Michael Jordan Again With Heated Rant: “When Was the Last Time You Won”