As of this writing, there are only two former players with ownership stakes in an NBA franchise —Grant Hill (Atlanta Hawks) and Dwyane Wade (Utah Jazz). Former Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony would like to join them.
“I want team ownership,” Anthony tells 7PM in Brooklyn co-host The Kid Mero. “I want sports ownership, personally.”
“So let’s get people together that we can go do that with. If you’re giving him (Jeff Bezos), the opportunity, give these others the opportunity. Give us opportunities to be involved in those cap tables and those conversations… especially the guys who are already searching or reaching to try to make those goals happen and get into sports ownership and team ownership.
“Let’s have real conversations.”
Carmelo Anthony Reveals ‘Generational’ NBA Goal
Unlike Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett, Anthony may not be looking to own a team that he was the face of.
To that point, neither the Knicks or Nuggets are for sale. Knicks owner James Dolan, who feels the economics of major league sports is “kind of sleepy” per Katherine Rosman of the New York Times, has been called to sell the franchise for years. However, Dolan doesn’t seem like he’ll be giving in anytime soon. Meanwhile, Walmart heiress Ann Kroenke has been the Nuggets’ owner for nearly a decade.
Yet, as the as the 10-time All-Star discussed the topic of league expansion, it was clear that he understood the reverence of a Seattle SuperSonics revival. If so, he may be joined by Kevin Durant, the Sonics’ last lottery pick. Las Vegas may be another option for Anthony, with Chris Paul expressing a desire to join that ownership group. Asked by Mero what it would take for him, Wade, and LeBron James to get together and buy a team, Anthony says he’s “open.”
It’s A Bit Complicated
Anthony didn’t sound quite confident about the idea. For starters, they could want to pursue different paths. Furthermore, it’s difficult to pool the funding.
“I would love it. I would love it. That’s how you create what they talk about generational… That’s legacy, if we can do that.
I’m open… I’m out there trying to raise money now. Trying to raise money with my sports fund… it’s hard to raise money.”
If James —who has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion —was in the group, a lot of possibilities would open for Anthony. It doesn’t hurt that he comes with a fleet of Brinks trucks. However, James also has plenty of influence in sports, entertainment, and business. One of the most enterprising players, past or present, he’s possibly the key to Anthony’s dreams.
With that being said, Anthony has an estimated net worth of $160 million. That’s not chump change by any means. Still, in the world of sports, it’s not nearly enough to buy a major league team. Even the Charlotte Hornets are currently valued at around $1.7 billion.
