Paul Pierce is no longer disputing that he is the father of infant son King Rafael.
The legal fight now centers on how much monthly support he should pay and how custody should be divided.
In newly reported court documents, the retired NBA star opposes Princess Santiago’s request for $29,811 per month in child support and $100,000 toward her legal expenses.
Pierce proposes paying approximately $4,145 monthly. He argues that his current finances bear little resemblance to the earnings he received during his 19-season basketball career and says another source of income will end in September.
Pierce Says His NBA Earnings No Longer Reflect His Finances
Pierce earned more than $200 million during his NBA career, which ended with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2017. His filing argues that those career earnings should not be treated as evidence of what he can currently afford. Pierce reported approximately $1.5 million in income for 2025 and said his earnings have steadily declined since leaving professional basketball.
His employment with Fox Sports 1 ended in 2021, although Pierce said he has continued receiving payments from the network. According to his filing, those payments will stop in September 2026, reducing his income by nearly half.
Pierce also cited what he called “substantial ongoing financial obligations.” He said he supports four other children and currently pays $20,000 per month in spousal support and another $24,000 in child support.
The Two Proposed Payments Are More Than $25,000 Apart
Santiago has asked the court to order Pierce to pay $29,811 per month, provide health insurance for King and reimburse half of her pregnancy, birth and post-birth medical expenses. She also requested $100,000 toward her attorney fees.
Pierce said he has voluntarily paid $5,000 per month for King and remains willing to support his son. His proposed court-ordered payment of approximately $4,145 is $25,666 below Santiago’s request. He also challenged Santiago’s description of her financial resources, claiming she earns more than $400,000 annually.
Paternity Is No Longer the Disputed Issue
View this post on Instagram
Santiago filed a parentage case in January while she was pregnant. King Rafael Santiago Pierce was born on February 6. Her later filings sought genetic testing, sole legal and physical custody of King, and visitation for Pierce alongside the requested financial support.
In an April response obtained by People, Pierce acknowledged that he is King’s biological father and requested joint legal and physical custody.
Santiago said at the time that Pierce had begun making an effort to see their son. She added that she was focused on stability and consistent decision-making while he developed a relationship with King.
Pierce Disputes Other Allegations in the Case
Pierce’s latest filing also responds to claims about his personal conduct and home life. He alleged that Santiago sends him lengthy messages about subjects unrelated to their son and has harassed his girlfriend. He also rejected allegations concerning his alcohol use. “I live a quiet and stable life with my girlfriend,” Pierce said in the filing, according to TMZ. “I do not drink to excess.”