June 5 – Basketball star Kevin Durant has become the latest celebrity to acquire a stake in an MLS franchise, having reportedly invested in the Philadelphia Union.
Durant, whose day job is with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, has long held the ambition to own a major league sports franchise and had previously linked to D.C United. His stake in the Philadelphia Union is believed to be between 1-3% and values the franchise at about $450 million.
Durant is a partner in Thirty Five Ventures, a business he co-founded with Rich Kleiman. It is unclear if he invested in the Philadelphia Union in a personal capacity or whether the investment is through this business.
Durant joins a growing list of athletes who have invested or shown interest in MLS franchises. Recently, Houston Rockets star James Harden became a member of the Houston Dynamo ownership group.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife, Grammy-winning musician Ciara, invested in the Seattle Sounders while Magic Johnson, Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra are part of the LAFC ownership group.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1731709670labto1731709670ofdlr1731709670owedi1731709670sni@o1731709670fni1731709670