Chris Paul the team owner?
In an interview with Forbes writer Jabari Young, Paul delves into his post-career plans, citing his interest in owning both a WNBA and NBA team. Firmly in the twilight of his career, that day may come sooner rather than later. That being said, with so few NBA owners actually having NBA experience, Paul has a chance to be somewhat of a trailblazer if he can successfully bid on an NBA team.
“…I’m open,” Paul says of team ownership plans. “Especially if there’s expansion or something like that, I’m definitely open.”
“I’ve been involved with the league for too long, from every aspect of it,” Paul continues. “Just knowing the game, understanding the (general managers), player relations, all of the different entities, that’s definitely one of my goals. I want to own a team.”
Chris Paul Looks to Make Rare Career Change After Retirement
Owning and operating an NBA team is the dream of many.
It’s only too easy to imagine a basketball fan hopping on NBA 2K and going to franchise mode, using their knowledge and creativity to build the type of team that they want to see. However, while they may have the vision necessary to create a perennial championship contender (or a highly profitable organization), few have the ability to get skin in the game.
As expensive a dream as any, becoming an NBA owner requires deep pockets. Ultimately, this has led to myriad business magnates to invest in NBA teams. These individuals may actually be true fans of the game, like Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. Nonetheless, the owners with professional playing experience are few and far between.
As of today, of the 30 teams that make up the NBA, only two have former NBA players as part of their ownership group after NBA icon Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 for $3 billion.
Hall of Fame forward Grant Hill became co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks in 2015. Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade became co-owner of the Utah Jazz in 2021. Another Hall of Famer, Kevin Garnett, could eventually join this group if Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez manage to wrestle the Minnesota Timberwolves away from Glen Taylor.
The Big Three
There are three current players that have repeatedly expressed an interest in NBA ownership: Paul, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. These three aren’t just legends of the game but students and fans of it. Having focused on basketball for their entire lives, there’s no reason to believe they’ll stop now.
Fortunately for them, they have the access and buying power necessary to make their dream come true. James ($479.5 million), Durant ($396.7 million), and Paul ($389.9) have made a lot of money off of their talent. That’s without even factoring in their endorsement deals.
That being said, this trio should be able to at least get a foot in the door of NBA ownership.
