Professional athletes are known for their prowess on the field, but some go beyond the game to become owners of sports teams.
This dual role, as both athlete and owner, showcases their business acumen and passion for sports. From NBA superstars to legendary boxers and football icons, these athletes have diversified their portfolios by investing in sports teams.
LeBron James: "From Courtside to the Pitch"
Arguably, the most famous athlete-owner, LeBron James, made a significant move in 2011 when he invested in Fenway Sports Group to partially own Liverpool FC.
This venture expanded his sports empire into soccer, and his impact was not limited to the pitch. LeBron also expressed interest in bringing an MLS team to Miami, a city he has grown to love. This vision showcases his ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.
Nolan Ryan: "The Texan Legend"
Nolan Ryan, known for his iconic baseball career, transitioned into team ownership by partnering with Chuck Greenberg to purchase the Texas Rangers in 2010.
What sets Ryan apart is that he also assumed the role of the team's president. This dual role illustrates his commitment to the organization and his ability to lead on and off the field.
Oscar de la Hoya: "A Champion in the Ring and Business"
Oscar de la Hoya, a celebrated boxer, made his mark in sports ownership by acquiring a portion of the Houston Dynamos.
De la Hoya's ownership extends beyond soccer, as he also owns a national boxing promotional firm. This diversification shows his dedication to promoting and growing the sports he loves.
Warrick Dunn: "Supporting His Former Team"
After retiring from professional football, Warrick Dunn took a different route into ownership. He purchased a minority stake in his former team, the Atlanta Falcons.
Dunn's investment in the team he once played for illustrates his loyalty to the franchise and his desire to contribute to its success.
Michael Jordan: "The Basketball Legend Turned Owner"
The name Michael Jordan is synonymous with basketball excellence, but he also made a name for himself as an owner. In 2006, he became a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats and later increased his ownership stake, becoming the majority owner.
His influence extended to rebranding the team as the Charlotte Hornets in 2014. Jordan's ownership journey shows that even the greatest players can become equally successful owners.
Shaquille O'Neal: "Dominating Both the Court and Ownership"
Shaquille O'Neal, a dominant force in the NBA, ventured into sports ownership by becoming a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings in 2013. His ownership role further solidified his presence in the world of basketball and demonstrated his commitment to the sport's growth.
These athlete-owners prove that transitioning from playing to ownership is possible and can be highly successful. Their journeys highlight the symbiotic relationship between athletes and the sports they love.
By owning teams, they continue to leave a lasting legacy in the world of sports, demonstrating that they can shoot, score, and lead from the owner's box just as effectively as they did on the field or court.