Lakers Star Luka Dončić Ends Engagement to Anamaria Goltes Amid Intense Custody Dispute over Daughters

NBA star Luka Dončić confirms his split from fiancée Anamaria Goltes. Discover the details behind their custody dispute over their two daughters.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 11:13 AM EDT

Source: People

A Childhood Romance Ends in Legal Conflict

The decades-long relationship between Luka Dončić, 26, and Anamaria Goltes, 28, has come to an abrupt end. The couple, who first met as 12-year-olds in Croatia and began dating in 2016, had been a mainstay in the NBA social circle. Dončić proposed in a picturesque ceremony near Bled Castle in July 2023, but the transition from Dallas to Los Angeles appears to have strained the union. In a statement provided to ESPN on March 10, Dončić revealed that the "tough decision" to end the engagement was driven by his desire to be a present father despite the logistical hurdles of his professional career.

Custody and Child Support Petitions

The split has moved rapidly into the California court system. Goltes has filed a petition seeking an unspecified amount in child support and attorney’s fees. Sources close to the situation indicate that Dončić was surprised by the filing, as he has reportedly provided financial support "without limitation." The central conflict revolves around their two daughters: two-year-old Gabriela and newborn Olivia. Dončić expressed that his primary motivation is ensuring his daughters can be with him in the United States, a goal that has faced significant challenges since the family's recent time spent in Slovenia.

Transformative Analysis: The Cost of a Blockbuster Trade

The personal turmoil surrounding Dončić coincides with a massive shift in his professional life following his February 2025 trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. While the move to Southern California was intended to be a "new journey" alongside LeBron James, the geographical distance between the U.S. and Slovenia—where Goltes has spent considerable time—has created a "roller coaster" of family logistics. This case highlights the unique pressures faced by international NBA superstars who must balance franchise expectations with the complexities of raising a family across two continents.