Former NBA star Dwight Howard finds himself in the midst of a costly divorce battle after just six months of marriage, with his wife seeking a significant portion of his wealth accumulated over a decorated basketball career.
Court documents filed in Georgia reveal that Amber Rose Howard, known professionally as Amy Luciani, has petitioned for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. “The marriage is irretrievably broken, there are no prospects for reconciliation,” Amber stated in the legal filing.
The reality star and rapper is requesting that all marital assets and property be “equitably divided” by the courts, potentially putting a substantial portion of Howard’s estimated $240 million career earnings at stake. Perhaps most concerning for the former NBA center is that sources indicate no prenuptial agreement was signed before the couple exchanged vows.
In a statement to The Shade Room, Luciani acknowledged the divorce proceedings while expressing surprise at how quickly the news became public. “Although it is true, I am not sure how it got out to the public,” she said. “Still wrapping my head around a lot. Although I know it won’t happen, I hope the public can give us grace and privacy right now.”
The brief marriage represents a costly misstep for Howard, who earned his fortune through contracts with multiple NBA teams including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets during his 18-year professional career. The eight-time All-Star’s wealth accumulation came through not only his playing contracts but also endorsement deals and business ventures throughout his time in the league.
Without a prenuptial agreement, Howard’s considerable assets earned during his playing days could be subject to division under Georgia’s equitable distribution laws, regardless of the marriage’s brief duration.
Legal experts note that while six months represents an exceptionally short marriage, the absence of a prenup means Luciani’s claims for asset division and ongoing alimony support will likely be evaluated based on standard divorce proceedings. The court will ultimately determine what constitutes an equitable split of the couple’s marital property and whether temporary or permanent spousal support is warranted.
The situation serves as a cautionary tale for professional athletes about the importance of financial planning and legal protections when entering into marriage. Howard’s case demonstrates how quickly substantial wealth can be put at risk, even in marriages that dissolve within months rather than years.
As the divorce proceedings continue through the Georgia court system, Howard faces the prospect of a potentially expensive settlement that could significantly impact his post-basketball financial security. The outcome will likely depend on how the court interprets the brief marriage duration against the substantial assets at stake.