Alan Foster has sued LaMelo Ball, his family, and the sneaker company PUMA. Foster contends that he forfeited millions of dollars when Ball Family head LaVar evicted him by forming a separate BBB corporation, even though he was crucial to the brand’s early success.
Foster among other things said that he was the creator and proprietor of the trademark for LaMelo’s first trademark shoe, the MB1. He also accused PUMA of trademark infringement in the lawsuit, claiming that the MB.01 sneaker that the business created for LaMelo violated his rights as per TMZ Sports.
BREAKING: LaMelo Ball and PUMA are being sued by Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster for $200M in damages.
Foster alleges he came up with the idea for the “MB1” shoe line years ago, which was then used for Melo’s first signature shoe.
(via TMZ) pic.twitter.com/LfBkqWC9g2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 9, 2023
“He knew that his Big Baller Brand signature shoe was called the ‘MB1’ and that the name was protected by federal trademark,” Foster’s attorney said in the filing. “Yet, despite his knowledge of all of this, LaMelo willfully and deliberately chose to name the signature shoe he created and designed with Puma the ‘MB1’ in violation of the LaMelo trademarks.”
BBB BALLERS SHORTS @ZO2_ 🏀 #LimitedEdition #LonzoBall pic.twitter.com/Ji8LwUUVjA
— Big Baller Brand (@bigballerbrand) November 10, 2022
In October 2020, LaMelo Ball left the family business to accept a $100 million contract with Puma (TMZ Sports). A month before him being selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the third overall choice in the NBA, the agreement was finalized. However, it is said reportedly that Foster seeks $200 million in damages. It remains to be seen how this case unfolds in the next weeks/months.
What was Alan Foster’s role in Big Baller Brand?
Alan Foster was the former Co-Founder of the Big Baller Brand when it was formed in 2016 alongside LaVar Ball (founder). The American business Big Baller Brand (BBB) produces, distributes, and manufactures apparel and footwear. It is best known for producing signature sneakers for the Ball brothers, who play basketball as Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo.
Big Baller Brand Co-Founder Reportedly Sues LaMelo Ball, Puma
Full Details HERE: https://t.co/4WdSbkxLRU pic.twitter.com/z76b3xyrZb
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) November 9, 2023
Big Baller Brand declared in April of 2016 that it planned to soft release by June of the same year. The organization was founded on “core family values” by Alan Foster, a former football player, and personal trainer LaVar Ball, according to their website.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to bring this family-oriented and -created brand to the public,” a statement on the site read. “Now you too can celebrate the athleticism and discipline it truly takes to become a ‘Ball’ player. Join our community of basketball and sports lovers, as well as ‘Ball brother’ fans by purchasing our one and only Big Baller shirts or apparel”.
After a bust-up with Lonzo Ball, Alan Foster was evicted from the BBB and also was sued by Ball as he claimed Foster was involved in the $1.5 million that went missing from the accounts of BBB. Since then the relationship between Foster and the Ball family has gone downhill and never seemed to improve.