Austin McBroom is a prominent American social media personality, entrepreneur, and former college basketball player who rose to prominence as the patriarch of the ACE Family, one of the most successful family vlogging channels on YouTube. Born on April 9, 1992, in Los Angeles, California, McBroom grew up in a family with a strong athletic background; his father, Ed McBroom, played college football, and his uncle, Stephen C. McBroom, was a professional basketball player. This athletic lineage paved the way for Austin’s early focus on sports, and he attended Campbell Hall School in Studio City, where he excelled as a point guard. He later played college basketball at Central Michigan University, where he was a walk-on for the Chippewas, showcasing his dedication and competitive spirit before a knee injury derailed his professional aspirations.
Following his basketball career, McBroom pivoted to the digital space, initially finding success on the now-defunct video app Vine, where his comedic and prank-driven content helped him amass a significant following. However, his true breakthrough came in 2017 when he and his then-girlfriend, Catherine Paiz, launched the ACE Family YouTube channel. The channel, which chronicled their daily lives, the birth of their first daughter, Elle, and later their second daughter, Alaïa, and son, Steel, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The family’s wholesome yet dramatic content, combined with massive giveaways and celebrity collaborations, propelled the channel to over 19 million subscribers, making them one of the most-viewed family channels on the platform. Their success extended beyond YouTube, leading to a lucrative deal with the subscription platform OnlyFans, which reportedly earned them millions in a single day, and a partnership with the social media app Collab.
McBroom’s entrepreneurial ventures have been as notable as his online presence. He co-founded the clothing line ACE Fit and launched the sports management agency Ballerz, which signed several up-and-coming basketball talents. In 2021, he ventured into the world of influencer boxing, headlining a high-profile event against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in Miami, which he won via technical knockout. This event, however, also marked the beginning of a turbulent period for McBroom, as he faced a series of public controversies, including lawsuits from fans over unfulfilled contest prizes, a highly publicized and messy split from Paiz in 2022, and ongoing custody disputes. These legal and personal struggles significantly impacted his public image and the trajectory of the ACE Family brand.
Despite the setbacks, McBroom has continued to maintain a presence in the digital and entrepreneurial spheres, focusing on rebuilding his brand and family life. He has been open about his efforts to co-parent and repair his relationship with Paiz, and he remains active on social media, though his content has shifted from daily family vlogs to a more curated lifestyle and fitness focus. His story, marked by rapid rise, spectacular success, and equally dramatic falls, has made him a polarizing figure in the influencer world, yet his impact on the family vlogging genre and the monetization of personal life remains undeniable. As he navigates the complexities of fame, fatherhood, and business, McBroom continues to be a subject of fascination for millions, embodying both the opportunities and pitfalls of the modern digital age.