Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball and his partner, model and influencer Ana Montana (real name Analicia Chaves), have welcomed a new addition to their family—and the news has set both the basketball world and social media abuzz. The couple’s son, named LaOne, was born in January 2026, marking the start of a new chapter not just for Ball and Montana, but for the extended, ever-spotlighted Ball family as well. The announcement, made public on May 10, 2026, through an exclusive with PEOPLE, quickly became a viral talking point, thanks in no small part to the unique name chosen for their child.
“Welcoming LaOne into the world has changed our hearts in the best way,” Ball and Montana shared in a joint statement to PEOPLE. “Family has always meant everything to us, but becoming parents has given us an entirely new perspective on love, purpose, legacy and what truly matters most.” The couple’s sentiments didn’t stop there. They added, “He has brought so much happiness and meaning into our lives, and we’re incredibly grateful to God for trusting us with such a special blessing. We’re embracing this new chapter with so much love and excitement as we raise and guide our son together.”
LaOne’s arrival, however, was not a complete surprise to those who follow the Ball family closely. The baby’s existence was first hinted at by LaVar Ball, LaMelo’s outspoken father, during a March episode of the “Ball in the Family Podcast with Lonzo & Gelo Ball.” LaVar, never one to shy away from the spotlight, declared, “Yes indeed. If I raised ya’ three killas’ in the backyard, what do you think I’ma do with a gym in the backyard?” His playful boast hinted at plans to guide his grandson with the same energy and ambition that shaped his own sons’ careers.
Yet, it was the name LaOne that truly ignited conversation online. The announcement drew immediate—and mixed—reactions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Some users questioned the choice, with one remarking, “Is he tryna get his son bullied at school?” Another joked, “LMAOOO We’re giving kids NBA 2K gamertag names now?” The Ball family’s penchant for distinctive names—LaMelo, Lonzo, LiAngelo—has always been part of their brand, and LaOne fits right in with this tradition. As OutKick put it, the name “lands closer to a sneaker release than a birth certificate—very on brand for the Ball family.”
But not all feedback was tongue-in-cheek or critical. Plenty of fans celebrated the news, posting messages like, “What a beautiful blessing, welcome to the world, little LaOne!” and “Congrats to LaMelo and Ana, LaOne’s a baller name already.” For every skeptic, there seemed to be a supporter ready to offer congratulations and well-wishes.
Behind the headlines and hashtags, Ball and Montana have made it clear that their focus is on family and a broader mission that transcends basketball and social media. Alongside the birth announcement, the couple unveiled a new nonprofit, I Am Fertility, inspired directly by Montana’s own journey through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Montana described her IVF experience as “overwhelming, emotional, isolated and unsure where to turn,” a struggle that led her to create a resource for women facing similar challenges.
“At one point during my IVF journey, I felt overwhelmed, emotional, isolated and unsure where to turn,” Montana explained to PEOPLE. “That experience inspired me to create I Am Fertility as a safe space where women don’t have to face this journey alone.” The nonprofit aims to provide education, emotional support, reproductive health awareness, and access to trusted fertility resources. “This is more than awareness, it’s about creating real support, real access and a community where women feel seen, understood and hopeful,” she added.
As part of its launch, I Am Fertility introduced The HOPE Grant, which will award two women $5,000 each to help cover IVF and fertility treatment expenses. The grant’s inaugural application period opened on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, and will close on June 1, 2026. According to Sports Illustrated, the nonprofit’s $10,000 grant program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to women navigating the often expensive and emotionally taxing process of fertility treatments.
Montana’s advocacy is rooted in her own experience, and she has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of IVF. On Instagram, she wrote to her son, “I love you more than any word could ever describe! You’re my purpose and you’ve helped me become the woman I was always destined to be!” Her openness has resonated with many, turning the couple’s personal milestone into a platform for broader social impact.
The couple’s relationship has also drawn attention. Ball and Montana have been publicly linked since 2021, though they began dating in 2023, according to Sports Illustrated. Montana, now 39, has largely kept her pregnancy out of the constant glare of celebrity media, opting instead for curated reveals and purposeful messaging. Ball, meanwhile, remains one of the NBA’s most recognizable young stars, known for both his on-court flair and his considerable social media following.
The Ball family’s tradition of unique names and high-profile announcements continues to be a source of fascination. With LaVar’s declaration that he plans to mentor his grandson, speculation abounds about whether LaOne will one day follow in the footsteps of his father and uncles. If history is any guide, the Ball family won’t shy away from sharing those milestones with the world.
While the internet continues to debate the merits of LaOne’s name, Ball and Montana appear intent on channeling their newfound parenthood into meaningful action. The launch of I Am Fertility and The HOPE Grant signals a commitment to using their platform for good, supporting women and families who face the same challenges they did on their path to parenthood.
For now, LaOne’s arrival is both a personal joy and a public statement—a reminder that for the Ball family, legacy means more than just basketball. It’s about love, purpose, and making a difference where it matters most.