Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a big change in who owns sports teams, with more and more Black celebrities becoming owners instead of just fans. Actors, musicians, and athletes are using their success to invest in major sports franchises around the world, aiming to create lasting wealth for their families. This is a significant step towards making sports ownership more diverse, as it’s historically been limited to a small group of people. These investments allow them to not only potentially earn money, but also to influence the teams and their culture. Here are some individuals who have recently made news by becoming team owners.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan broke barriers by becoming the first Black majority owner of an NBA team, the Charlotte Hornets. While he sold most of his ownership in 2023, he kept a smaller share to remain connected to the team. Beyond basketball, he also started 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team, with the goal of increasing diversity in motorsports. Jordan’s success in business has inspired other athletes to become owners and leaders. He continues to be the prime example of an athlete successfully transitioning from playing to a powerful executive role.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson has become a successful businessman and sports owner, investing in a wide range of teams. He’s a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won the World Series after he invested, and also owns stakes in the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) and LAFC (MLS). Most recently, he became an owner of the Washington Commanders (NFL). Johnson’s career demonstrates how former athletes can thrive as leaders in business and sports management.
LeBron James
LeBron James, one of basketball’s biggest stars, has been smartly investing in well-known sports teams through his work with Fenway Sports Group. He owns parts of the Boston Red Sox baseball team and Liverpool FC, an English soccer club. He’s also an investor in the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team and AC Milan, the champions of Italian soccer. While still playing basketball at a very high level, James is building a successful business that compares to those built by established business leaders. He’s showing how today’s athletes can expand their wealth while they’re still competing.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams made history as the first Black woman to become an NFL team owner, joining the Miami Dolphins ownership group in 2009 with her sister. Beyond football, she’s a major investor in the Angel City FC women’s soccer team, championing the growth of women’s sports. Through her venture capital firm, Williams focuses on supporting entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, and this commitment is clear in her sports investments. She actively uses her influence to promote equal opportunities and increased diversity in team ownership. Her involvement has significantly boosted the visibility and worth of the teams she supports.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams has become a part-owner of the Miami Dolphins, joining her sister Serena. This historic move makes them both trailblazers as Black women in NFL ownership. Venus continues to be a strong advocate for sports and consistently challenges boundaries both as an athlete and businesswoman. Her investment shows her dedication to achieving greatness and leading in the world of sports, and she’s paving the way for future generations of women seeking leadership roles in the industry.
Usher
Usher, the popular R&B singer, became a part-owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005, shortly after LeBron James started becoming a star player. He witnessed the team’s incredible championship victory in 2016 and is a regular fixture at games, remaining a dedicated fan. Usher’s continued involvement with the Cavaliers shows that musicians can successfully invest in sports teams, and he’s paved the way for other artists to consider similar opportunities.
Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes has become a true part of Kansas City, not just as the Chiefs’ quarterback, but as an investor in the city’s sports teams. He made history as the youngest owner in Major League Baseball with a share of the Kansas City Royals, and he also co-owns Sporting Kansas City (MLS) and the Kansas City Current (NWSL). This investment demonstrates his strong commitment to the community that supports him, and he’s building a lasting legacy that will extend well beyond his football career.
Dwyane Wade
After retiring from the NBA, Dwyane Wade didn’t step away from sports – he became an owner. He bought a share of the Utah Jazz, and also invested in his hometown’s WNBA team, the Chicago Sky, to help grow women’s basketball. He’s also involved in soccer, as an owner of Real Salt Lake. Wade isn’t just a silent investor; he actively mentors players across all of his teams, showing he wants to help shape the future of sports.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
In 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the Greek Freak, became a part-owner of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. He later invested in Nashville SC, a Major League Soccer team, joining the ownership group with his brothers. These investments strengthen his ties to Milwaukee and broaden his reach into the world of soccer. Antetokounmpo is rare among current NBA players in that he owns a piece of teams in two different major American sports. His journey from a challenging background to a successful sports investor is a remarkable story.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, through his company Thirty Five Ventures, is investing in a variety of sports teams. He has ownership shares in the Philadelphia Union (MLS) and NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL), and recently became a minority investor in Paris Saint-Germain, a top European soccer club. Beyond soccer, Durant is also a significant investor in professional pickleball and is actively looking for opportunities in up-and-coming sports. His approach to investing is bold and focused on the future.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, became a part-owner of the Denver Broncos in 2022. He joined the Walton-Penner family in a historic purchase of the NFL team. Hamilton is committed to bringing more diversity to leadership roles in sports and actively promotes positive change. His investment in the Broncos is a notable move, connecting the worlds of Formula 1 racing and American football. He’s expected to bring his experience with winning and a worldwide outlook to the Broncos organization.
Condoleezza Rice
As a Broncos fan, I’m so excited to have Condoleezza Rice as part of the ownership group! She’s always been a huge football fan – I knew she was on the College Football Playoff committee – and she clearly understands leadership. What’s really awesome is that she’s breaking ground as a Black woman in a top position with an NFL team. She’s not just an owner, but a strategic advisor and a great representative of how diverse our ownership is now. It’s a really positive thing for the team and the league!
Sheila Johnson
Sheila Johnson is a groundbreaking businesswoman with ownership in three major sports teams in Washington, D.C. She made history as the first African American woman to have an ownership stake in teams across the NBA (Washington Wizards), NHL (Washington Capitals), and WNBA (Washington Mystics). As President and Managing Partner of the Mystics, she’s a strong advocate for women’s sports, and her success has paved the way for more diversity in professional sports.
J. Cole
J. Cole, the popular rapper, has become a part owner of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team. He joined a group that bought the team from Michael Jordan in 2023. As a North Carolina native, Cole says this investment is a lifelong dream. He’s a regular at Hornets games and is passionate about basketball in his home state. This deal highlights the increasing connection between hip-hop and NBA team ownership.
Drake
Drake, the world-famous musician, has become an investor in AC Milan alongside RedBird Capital and LeBron James. He also helped rescue Venezia FC from financial trouble by raising funds and even contributed to their jersey designs. Drake’s involvement is expected to boost the cultural profile and marketing power of both European soccer clubs, leveraging his global fame to attract a new generation of fans. These investments demonstrate the growing impact of Black celebrities on the world of sports.
Michael B. Jordan
I’m really excited to see Michael B. Jordan making waves in the sports world! He recently became a part-owner of AFC Bournemouth, an English Premier League soccer club, leading a group of minority investors. But it doesn’t stop there – he’s also invested in the Alpine F1 Team with other stars from Hollywood. What’s really cool is that he’s getting involved in the creative side too, helping design team kits and working on marketing to reach fans around the globe. It’s a huge deal to see a Black actor taking this kind of step into European sports, and he’s clearly bringing both his love of the game and his creative talents to help these teams grow.
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch, former NFL star, is now a part-owner of the Seattle Kraken hockey team. He’s also invested in the Oakland Roots soccer team, wanting to give back to his hometown. Lynch brings a lot of energy and his true self to everything he supports, and is known for connecting with fans and building excitement around the Kraken. He’s made a smooth and significant impact as he moves from being a player to an owner.
Yo Gotti
Yo Gotti, the well-known rapper and business leader, has become an owner of the D.C. United Major League Soccer team. This investment is part of his plan to grow his business into the sports world. Gotti wants to connect fans of music and soccer, and he’s already working to promote the team and connect with its supporters. His involvement shows how popular MLS is becoming with celebrities and people in the entertainment industry.
Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala, a longtime NBA player, is a major investor in Bay FC, the new NWSL expansion team. Through his investment group, 49ers Enterprises, he also owns a part of the English soccer club Leeds United. Known for his smart investments in Silicon Valley’s tech and business scene, Iguodala actively supports women’s sports and the growth of soccer worldwide. His investments demonstrate a strong grasp of how the sports world is evolving financially.
Russell Westbrook
NBA player Russell Westbrook has become an investor in Leeds United, a well-known English soccer club, joining the 49ers Enterprises group. Westbrook believes soccer is a rapidly growing, globally popular sport with a strong cultural impact. He’s bringing his competitive spirit and business savvy to the club, creating a link between the worlds of basketball and English football fans. This investment is part of Westbrook’s ongoing efforts to expand his business interests beyond the NBA.
Thierry Henry
Soccer icon Thierry Henry has become a part-owner of Como 1907, an Italian football club. He’s joining the team with the goal of helping them climb higher in Italian football. Henry will contribute his extensive football experience and worldwide fame, and he’s playing a key role in planning the club’s future and helping it reach its full potential.
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba, the famous soccer player, joined Phoenix Rising FC as both a player and an owner. He not only helped the team win games, but also worked behind the scenes to manage the club. Drogba has been vital in their attempt to join Major League Soccer (MLS), showing his dedication to growing the sport in North America. He continues to be a crucial leader in the club’s future.
Stormzy
Stormzy, the popular grime artist, has become a co-owner of AFC Croydon Athletic alongside footballer Wilfried Zaha. As a lifelong football fan and a proud local, Stormzy wants to give back to the community where he grew up by investing in the club. His involvement is expected to significantly raise the club’s profile and bring positive attention to the area. Stormzy hopes the team will be a catalyst for growth and opportunity for young people in the community, and this partnership with Zaha highlights the importance of local ownership.
Ice Cube
Ice Cube, the renowned rapper and actor, created and runs the Big3 basketball league. He doesn’t own a single team, but rather the entire league itself, including all its teams. He started Big3 to give former NBA players a chance to keep playing competitive basketball. What began as a simple 3-on-3 idea has grown into a popular professional league that travels the country. Ice Cube is still working hard to get Big3 the respect it deserves in the world of sports.
Tems
I was so excited to hear that Tems, the amazing Nigerian singer, invested in San Diego FC, the new MLS team! It’s a huge deal to see an African artist making moves like this in American sports. I think she’ll bring a really unique energy and introduce the team to a whole new group of fans worldwide. She’s clearly passionate about helping soccer grow in Southern California, and it’s just cool to see music and sports colliding like this.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, the famous West Coast rapper, has become a part-owner of Swansea City, a Welsh football club. He’s always been a sports fan and decided to officially invest in the UK team. Snoop plans to actively help promote the club and connect with its fans. His popularity is expected to bring more international attention to Swansea City, further cementing his place as a well-known figure in the world of sports.
Candace Parker
Candace Parker, a star in the WNBA, was one of the first investors in the Angel City FC soccer club. She joined the team’s owners because she wants to help grow women’s professional sports in Los Angeles. Parker believes it’s important for athletes to have ownership and for women to be leaders, and she actively speaks out for fair pay and improved treatment of female athletes. By investing in Angel City FC, Parker is making a long-term commitment to women’s sports that extends beyond her basketball career.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union is a co-owner of the Angel City FC soccer team with her daughter, Kaavia. She’s a big fan and often cheers on the team at games, working to build a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved. Union brings her Hollywood presence and strong voice to the National Women’s Soccer League, and sees Angel City FC as a leading example of positive change in women’s sports.
Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba, the celebrated actress, has invested in Angel City FC, joining a group of diverse, female owners who are building the team from scratch. As a former athlete, Aduba understands the importance of teamwork and is dedicated to the club’s goals of making a positive difference in the community. Her involvement also showcases the strong support for the team within the Black female community in Hollywood.
Nelly
Nelly, the popular rapper, became a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Hornets) in 2004, making him one of the first hip-hop artists to invest in an NBA team. He’s stayed involved with the team through all its changes in ownership and even when it changed its name. Nelly embodies the strong relationship between the music and basketball worlds, and his pioneering investment helped open doors for other artists to become team owners.
Share your thoughts on which celebrity ownership move surprised you the most in the comments.
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2026-02-24 19:48