Even the most famous sperm donor in the country understands that there are limits to his capabilities.
Ali Nagel, widely recognized as the “Sperminator,” who boasts 176 children, shared with the Post that he has decided to retire from being a donor on this Father’s Day.
This prolific contributor has fathered children with strangers across 20 states, 10 countries, and five continents over the past 17 years. He acknowledged that while he might feel strong, his sperm has its own limitations.
“If they find someone younger, it’s healthier. It’s safer than just being sad,” said Nagel, who turned 50 in August and is now dating a 22-year-old, whom he met in an art gallery.
His significantly younger partner is not interested in having kids. After years of not being active in that area, Nagel indicated he was ready to resume that part of his life, perhaps in a way that would align with the ovulation schedules of women seeking his donation.
“She probably has daddy issues, so she wanted an American dad,” he joked.
This year, the 6-foot-2 Kingsborough mathematics professor has welcomed five more children into the world.
What sets him apart is that he never asked any woman to cover the significant costs associated with sperm banking, which could easily reach thousands of dollars.
“My legacy will never be about money or fame. It’s about family,” Nagel stated. He has assisted many women, including singles and same-sex couples, who thought motherhood was out of reach.
He has performed his donations in a variety of unusual places, including Starbucks bathrooms, online games, and bus terminals, to name a few.
Nagel’s first child, Ali Jr., resulted from a lesbian couple in 2008, where a donor ad was posted on Craigslist, leading to a more traditional conception method. “We figured it was the old-fashioned way,” he explained, noting he aimed to keep things quick to minimize any awkwardness.
Many of his children carry variations of his name, such as Ali, Aria, Aakari, and others.
“It’s a modern, non-traditional family,” he said, reflecting on his upbringing as one of seven siblings in an Orthodox Jewish household. “But at the end of the day, it’s more than just biology. That’s part of why I’m stepping back,” he admitted, being overwhelmed by countless birthdays, games, and graduations.
“Being a father is not just about being biological; it’s about being present.”
Nagel, who is separated from his first wife with whom he shares three kids, has briefly married five women while donating, emphasizing that these unions weren’t romantic.
He is currently responsible for child support payments to five different mothers stemming from his donations. The amount he owes is deducted from his earnings directly.
In a comparison to Elon Musk, Nagel joked, “Even if my bank account doesn’t reflect it, I feel richer than him.”
Since the Post first covered his story in 2016, he has continued to expand his family, now with 50 children. He has also made appearances in various media, including a web series.
He acknowledged that the biggest shift for him lately has been practicing “abstinence,” which he feels has positively influenced his personal life.
“If someone ovulates tomorrow and I ejaculate today, my sperm count decreases,” he explained.
Retiring doesn’t mean he stops fulfilling his fatherly duties, however.
“I have my hands full,” Nagel admitted. “I didn’t do this to see how many I could have. Each child adds a new layer to my life. Everything I give comes back in abundance.”
