Dončić faces custody battle as goltes seeks support payments

Published on 12/03/2026 17:18 in sports • Ted Simmons

Luka Dončić is heading into a legal fight over the custody of his two young children with his former girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes, following their recent breakup. The Slovenian superstar is reportedly attempting to bring his daughters, Gabriela, 2, and Olivia, 1, to Los Angeles.

Custody dispute erupts after split

Custody dispute erupts after split

According to reports from US media outlets, the dispute began when Dončić expressed his desire to relocate Gabriela to the United States. Goltes allegedly contacted the police, though a police report reviewed by ESPN indicated no wrongdoing. The legal battle intensifies with Goltes filing a petition for support payments, a financial obligation Dončić has reportedly always fulfilled.

The couple's relationship, which began in 2016 and culminated in a July 2023 proposal, produced Gabriela in Los Angeles and Olivia in Slovenia last December. Dončić has previously spoken of the emotional toll of being separated from his daughters during the NBA season.

“I love my daughters more than anything, and I’ve done everything to have them with me in the United States during the season, but it wasn’t possible, so I recently made the difficult decision to end my engagement,” Dončić stated in a statement to ESPN and The Athletic. “All I do is for the happiness of my daughters, and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.”

The situation underscores the complexities faced by athletes balancing demanding careers with family life. Dončić’s move to bring his daughters to Los Angeles could significantly alter his personal and professional life, setting a precedent for other athletes navigating similar situations.

The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of Gabriela and Olivia. The case highlights the financial and emotional burdens often associated with high-profile breakups. Goltes is seeking to ensure financial stability for their children, a common element in these types of disputes.