Former NBA star Paul Pierce says he is financially “tapped out” as he struggles to meet court-ordered support payments following the loss of his income from Fox Sports, according to newly obtained legal documents.
In court filings obtained by TMZ, Pierce stated that he received his final payment from Fox Sports in August. He reported that his average monthly earnings had previously been approximately $119,000 but have since dropped to zero from that source. However, he acknowledged receiving around $23,000 last month through ownership interests in other business ventures.
Pierce disclosed that he currently pays approximately $28,000 each month in child support and an additional $20,000 in spousal support. Despite these financial obligations, he claims to have only $300,000 available in his bank accounts, along with real estate assets valued at approximately $3 million.
The former basketball player also reported monthly living expenses totaling roughly $48,000. His listed expenditures include $8,000 for childcare, $5,000 for groceries, $7,000 for restaurant dining, $3,200 for utilities, $1,000 for clothing and $3,500 for entertainment, in addition to several other expenses.
Pierce is asking the court to reject a request from his former wife, Princess Santiago, seeking $40,000 to cover legal expenses and another $10,000 to hire a forensic accountant. Santiago has accused Pierce of being evasive about his financial documentation and wants an independent specialist to examine his financial circumstances.
In the filing, Pierce’s attorney argued that the termination of his Fox Sports contract has left him facing substantial financial difficulties. The lawyer maintained that Pierce would have “great difficulty” covering the additional requested expenses, describing him as “drowning financially” while attempting to fulfill his existing financial responsibilities.
Santiago’s request for further financial assistance follows an earlier court ruling requiring Pierce to pay $8,508 per month in temporary child support for their son, King. The court also previously ordered him to contribute $100,000 toward legal fees.
Pierce reportedly earned approximately $200 million throughout his professional NBA career.