Stephen Curry is just one of athlete entrepreneurs rising form NBA superstar. His achievement reflects a rising trend among athletes who are broadening their impact in the realms of business. Instead of merely signing endorsement or licensing agreements, these athletes are investing their resources in their own ventures.

Here, we explore some prominent NBA superstars who have made their mark as entrepreneurs. We will showcase how they harness their athletic backgrounds to excel in the business world.

Michael Jordan

NBA accomplishments: Rookie of the Year; Five-time NBA MVP; Six-time NBA champion; Six-time NBA Finals MVP; Ten-time All-NBA First Team; Nine time NBA All-Defensive First Team; Defensive Player of the Year; 14-time NBA All-Star; Three-time NBA All-Star MVP; 50th Anniversary All-Time Team; Ten scoring titles — an NBA record and seven consecutive matching Wilt Chamberlain; Retired with the NBA’s highest scoring average of 30.1ppg; Hall of Fame inductee.

Michael Jordan, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has transcended sports to become a global cultural icon. He has significantly influenced the sports apparel industry through his partnership with Nike. The Air Jordan brand not only revolutionized sneaker culture but also established Jordan as a billionaire, showcasing how his competitive spirit and business acumen can work hand in hand. Michael Jordan has built an impressive portfolio of businesses and investments throughout his career. Here are some notable companies and ventures associated with him:

Charlotte Hornets NBA Team

Michael Jordan became the majority owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team in 2010. Under his ownership, the team has worked to improve its performance and community involvement. He sold the team to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin for approximately $3 billion.

23XI Racing Team

Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin partnered to launch in the fall of 2020. The team has been around for just four seasons but has quickly become one of the most influential in NASCAR thanks to Hamlin’s outspokenness about the business of NASCAR, Jordan’s stature as one of the biggest icons in sports history and the team’s Toyota backing.

Grove XXIII Golf Club

 Founded by NBA superstar Michael Jordan in collaboration with renowned golf course design company Bobby Weed Golf Design, the club opened its doors in 2019 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most prestigious private golf clubs in the United States.

LeBron James

LeBron James is more than just an NBA superstar; he is a media mogul and a savvy athlete entrepreneur. LeBron’s multifaceted approach to business illustrates how utilizing one’s platform can drive impact in both entertainment and social initiatives, proving that athletes can be change-makers. His footprint in business world include:

SpringHill Entertainment

SpringHill Company is a dynamic media and entertainment firm co-founded by NBA superstar LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Established with the vision of creating compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences, SpringHill focuses on storytelling across various platforms, including film, television, and digital media. pringHill has produced a range of successful projects, including documentaries, scripted series, and feature films. Notably, the company is known for its involvement in the reboot of “Space Jam: A New Legacy” .

Fenway Sports Group

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is a prominent sports investment and management firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2001, FSG is best known for its ownership of the Boston Red Sox, a historic Major League Baseball team, and Liverpool F.C., a prestigious football club in the English Premier League. The organization has established itself as a leader in sports management,

In 2021, Fenway Sports Group expanded its portfolio by entering a significant partnership with LeBron James‘s business group. This collaboration highlights LeBron’s increasing influence in the sports industry beyond his NBA career. Through this alliance, LeBron James not only becomes a partner in FSG but also joins an elite group of athlete entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of sports ownership and investment. 

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant, known for his scoring prowess and two-time NBA Champion status, has also established himself in the entrepreneurial landscape. The Kevin Durant’s business portfolio includes:

Boardroom

Boardroom Sports Holding LLC is a dynamic organization focused on the intersection of sports, education, and talent development.  It features investments in emerging sports teams and leagues, including the Major League Pickleball team the Brooklyn Aces and the football club Paris Saint-Germain(PSG).

Kobe Bryant

The late Kobe Bryant was not just a basketball legend; he was also a visionary entrepreneur. After retiring, he focused on storytelling and creative projects through his company.

Kobe Inc.

Established after his retirement from professional sports, Kobe Inc. focuses on various ventures, including media, entertainment, sports training, and content creation. The company is dedicated to telling inspiring stories and empowering individuals through creativity and entrepreneurship. One of its notable projects is the animated short film Dear Basketball, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short in 2018. 

Granity Studios

Granity Studios is a multimedia company co-founded by Kobe Bryant that focuses on storytelling and content creation across various media platforms, including Books, TV, Film, Podcast

Russell Westbrook

• Nine-time NBA All-Star
• NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2016-17 season
• Talent in sport: One of the league’s most talented guards, celebrated for his ability to score, rebound, and assist. 

Westbrook played as college athlete for UCLA during college. He was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, which soon became the Oklahoma City Thunder after the franchise relocated. Westbrook has played for several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers. Westbrook has established a strong entrepreneurial presence offcourt.

Honor The Gift

The brand focuses on creating streatwear apparel that reflects Westbrook’s personal aesthetic while promoting messages of empowerment and individuality. The clothing is sold over different retailers including Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. 

Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE)

RWE’mission is to inspire and uplift global communities through investments and strategic partnerships. RWE is certified by the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC). The portfolio companies includes Honor The Gift, Zero World Media, RW Digital, and Why Not Foundation. RW Digital has already got a branch of clients like AT&T, Nike, PepsiCo, American Airlines, Varo Bank and A+E Networks. Partner with the LA Promise Fund to establish the Westbrook Academy, the foundation builds educational and career pathways for sport talents in the underserved communities. Despite the diversified business activities, Westbrook remains highly focused on his target audience of juniors.

According to a report from Forbes, Westbrook is seeking to acquire an auto parts manufacturer. This venture represents a significant departure from his prior experiences in basketball, fashion, and entertainment. Russell Westbrook exemplifies a ambitious high-risk, high-reward athlete entrepreneur. Russell Westbrook is paving new pathways for athlete entrepreneurs.

“My mantra is ‘Why not?’ I live by that. It took 75 years for somebody to average a triple-double. Well, I did it four times.”

Conclusion

The entrepreneurial journeys of these NBA superstars exemplify how athlete entrepreneurs extend their influence beyond the basketball court to make significant strides in business. Their experiences in sports not only provide them with the discipline and competitiveness needed for success but also inspire future generations of entrepreneurs. By combining their passions with strategic thinking, these athletes demonstrate the limitless possibilities that exist when you pursue your interests with the same determination that brought you success in sports.

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