Full Breakdown
LaMelo Ball and Ana Montana Welcome Son LaOne, Launch I Am Fertility Nonprofit
5/11/2026, 8:05:29 PM
LaOne’s Arrival and the Birth of I Am Fertility
In January 2026, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and his partner, model Analicia Chaves (Ana Montana), announced the birth of their son LaOne and the launch of I Am Fertility, a nonprofit supporting women through fertility and IVF.
Relationship History and IVF Inspiration
Ball and Montana have been romantically linked since 2021 and began publicly dating in 2023. Montana’s personal IVF experience, which she described as “overwhelming, emotional, isolated,” motivated the creation of the nonprofit. The existence of their son was first hinted by LaMelo’s father, LaVar Ball, during a March 2026 appearance on the “Ball in the Family” podcast, where he referenced a grandson named La’One.
Grant Funding and Application Timeline
I Am Fertility will award The HOPE Grant to two women, providing $5,000 each for IVF-related expenses—a total of $10,000 in direct assistance. Applications open on Mother’s Day (May 12, 2026) and close on June 1, 2026. The grant program is positioned as the inaugural financial component of the nonprofit’s broader educational and emotional-support services.
Joint Statement from LaMelo Ball and Ana Montana
In a People exclusive, the couple expressed that becoming parents “has given us an entirely new perspective on love, purpose, legacy and what truly matters most.” They emphasized gratitude for the birth, noting that “family has always meant everything to us” and that they are “embracing this new chapter with so much love and excitement.” The statement also highlighted the nonprofit’s mission to create “real support, real access and a community where women feel seen, understood and hopeful.”
Public Reaction to the Unconventional Name
Social-media users quickly responded to the name “LaOne.” Some mocked the choice, asking “Is he tryna get his son bullied at school?” and joking “We’re giving kids NBA 2K gamertag names now?” Others offered supportive remarks, calling it “a baller name already.”
Unresolved Details and Reporting Gaps
The precise birth date of LaOne has not been disclosed; sources only confirm a January 2026 birth. Additionally, the name appears as “LaOne” in most reports, while LaVar Ball’s earlier reference used the stylized “La’One,” creating minor inconsistency. The exact timing of the public announcement varies across outlets, with some citing a Mother’s Day release and others noting a May 10 People exclusive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Welcoming LaOne into the world has changed our hearts in the best way,” — LaMelo Ball & Ana Montana
- “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.” — LaMelo Ball & Ana Montana
- “At one point during my IVF journey, I felt overwhelmed, emotional, isolated and unsure where to turn.” — Ana Montana
- “This is more than awareness, it's about creating real support, real access and a community where women feel seen, understood and hopeful.” — Ana Montana
