Former NBA star Paul Pierce is opposing a request by his ex-partner, Princess Santiago, for $30,000 in monthly child support, arguing that his income is expected to decline significantly this year.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Santiago is seeking $30,000 per month in child support, as well as $100,000 to cover legal fees. In his court filing, Pierce said he has not played in the NBA since retiring in 2017 and no longer earns at the level he did during his playing career, in which he reportedly made more than $200 million.
He also stated that his income has steadily declined since leaving professional basketball. Pierce noted that his employment with Fox Sports 1 ended in 2021, although he will continue receiving payments from the network until September 2026. According to the filing, Pierce said his annual income for 2025 was approximately $1.5 million and is expected to be reduced by nearly half once those payments end.
Pierce further argued that he has significant ongoing financial obligations, including supporting four other children. He said he currently pays $20,000 per month in spousal support and an additional $24,000 per month in child support
The former Boston Celtics star said he is willing to financially support the couple’s newborn son, King Pierce, and is seeking joint legal and physical custody. Santiago, however, is requesting sole custody. Pierce told the court he has already been voluntarily paying $5,000 per month in child support.
He also disputed Santiago’s claim that she has limited financial resources, alleging that she earns more than $400,000 annually. In the filing, Pierce further alleged that Santiago frequently sends him lengthy text messages unrelated to their child and has harassed his current girlfriend.
Pierce is asking the court to set his monthly child support payments at approximately $4,145, significantly lower than the amount requested by Santiago. He also denied allegations regarding his personal life and alcohol consumption. “I live a quiet and stable life with my girlfriend. I do not drink to excess,” Pierce said in the filing.