People still talk about it. It’s been years since the ink dried on their divorce papers, but mention Matt Barnes and Gloria Govan in a room full of basketball fans or reality TV junkies, and you’re going to get a reaction. It’s one of those sagas that feels like it belongs in a scripted drama, yet every messy detail played out in real-time on social media and the nightly news.
Honestly, the story of Matt and Gloria isn't just about a breakup. It’s a wild case study on what happens when fame, professional sports, and personal betrayal collide at 90 miles per hour. Literally.
The Early Days and the Basketball Wives Era
They weren't always the poster couple for "it's complicated." Matt and Gloria actually met when they were basically kids—she was 12, he was a bit older. They didn't start dating until 2006 when Matt was playing for the Golden State Warriors. For a while, they were the "it" couple of the NBA’s sub-culture.
When Basketball Wives premiered in 2010, Gloria Govan became a household name. She wasn't just a background player; she was the spark plug. We saw the dynamic: the high-stakes lifestyle of an NBA journeyman mixed with the domestic reality of raising twin boys, Carter and Isaiah. But even then, the cracks were showing.
There was a domestic violence arrest in 2010. Charges were eventually dropped, and Gloria defended Matt at the time, calling the accusations false. They tried to make it work. They even eloped in 2012 and had a formal wedding in 2013.
It didn't last. By 2014, they were separated. And that’s when things went from "sad celebrity breakup" to "front-page tabloid explosion."
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That 95-Mile Drive (And What Actually Went Down)
You can't talk about Matt Barnes and Gloria Govan without talking about Derek Fisher. This is the part of the story everyone remembers. In October 2015, Matt was at training camp with the Memphis Grizzlies in Santa Barbara. He found out—reportedly via his kids—that his former teammate and then-Knicks coach Derek Fisher was at Gloria’s house.
The legend says Matt hopped in his car and drove 95 miles to Los Angeles to "beat the brakes off" Fisher.
Matt has since clarified some of those details on his podcast, All The Smoke. He says it wasn't a 95-mile Tupac-fueled rage quest. He says he lived much closer at the time and went over because his son sounded "uncomfortable" on the phone.
But yeah, there was a fight. Matt jumped a fence. He found Fisher in the backyard. Punches were thrown. The NBA suspended Matt, and the story became a permanent fixture in sports lore.
The Aftermath of the Fisher Incident
The fallout was massive.
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- Fisher and Govan stayed together. They eventually got married in 2021.
- The Friendship ended. Barnes and Fisher were close on the Lakers, but that bridge didn't just burn; it evaporated.
- The Media Circus. Every time Matt or Gloria posted a photo, the comments were a war zone.
The Brutal Legal Battles
While the Fisher fight got the headlines, the real war was happening in a courtroom. If you think your divorce was messy, look at the legal history here. It’s a mountain of paperwork involving restraining orders, custody disputes, and child support modifications.
At one point, Matt was paying roughly $20,000 a month in child support. After a series of legal victories where he was awarded sole physical and legal custody of the twins in late 2018, that number was slashed to about $7,500.
Why did he get sole custody? A judge ruled after an incident where Gloria allegedly used her car to block Matt from taking the kids on his scheduled day. It was ugly. There were court-ordered anger management classes and parenting 101 sessions.
Surprisingly, as of 2026, the dust has somewhat settled. Matt has publicly stated that while he and Fisher aren't exactly grabbing beers, they’ve found a way to co-exist for the sake of the kids. It’s a "business relationship" focused on the boys.
Where Are They Now?
Both have moved into entirely different lanes. Matt Barnes isn't just an "ex-NBA player" anymore. He’s a media mogul. His production company, All The Smoke Productions, is a powerhouse. He’s interviewing everyone from Michelle Obama to Ben Affleck. He’s even teased a run for Mayor of Sacramento.
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Gloria Govan has reinvented herself too. She’s heavily involved in the cannabis industry, serving as the founder of RLNTLSS Brands. She’s focused on wellness and entrepreneurship, often speaking about the hurdles women face in male-dominated boardrooms. She and Derek Fisher seem solid, proving that despite the chaotic start, their relationship wasn't just a "rebound" or a plot point for a show.
Lessons from the Barnes-Govan Saga
Looking back at this whole timeline, there are some pretty clear takeaways for anyone navigating a high-conflict split:
- Kids see everything. Matt and Gloria's sons were often the catalysts for these interactions. The transition to peaceful co-parenting only happened when the adults put their egos aside.
- Legal clarity matters. The shift in custody happened because of documented evidence, not just "he-said, she-said."
- Time doesn't heal, but it dulls. You don't have to like your ex to be a good parent with them. You just have to be professional.
If you’re going through a custody battle or a messy split, the best move is to keep the receipts and keep your head down. Don't drive 95 miles—or even 15 miles—to start a fight. It usually ends with a suspension and a legal bill you don't want to pay. Focus on building your next chapter, just like Matt and Gloria eventually did.
For those tracking the current status of their legal filings or looking for co-parenting resources, checking the California Family Court records for recent modifications is the most accurate way to see how these high-profile arrangements evolve over time.