Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history. Beyond his numerous accolades on the court, Curry is also credited with revolutionizing the way the sport of basketball is played, particularly with his long-range shooting prowess. His influence on the game has been monumental, making him a transformative figure in modern basketball.
Curry has won virtually everything there is to win in the NBA, including multiple championships, MVP awards, and, most recently, a gold medal with Team USA. As he enters the later stages of his career at 36 years old, Curry is already planning for life after basketball. He aims to follow in the footsteps of NBA and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan by owning or becoming a part-owner of an NBA team in the future. This ambition is part of Curry’s broader vision to remain actively involved in the sport and contribute to its growth from an executive standpoint.
In addition to his basketball career, Curry has ventured into several business and philanthropic endeavors. He co-founded Unanimous Media, a media company that focuses on storytelling and content creation that champions diverse voices. Curry is also passionate about golf and has established a youth golf tour called Underrated, aimed at providing competitive opportunities for underrepresented young golfers. These ventures underscore his commitment to fostering new talent and creating opportunities in areas beyond basketball.
However, Curry's ambitions stretch further into the world of sports business, particularly NBA team ownership. In an interview with CNBC, Curry admitted that he is seriously considering becoming an NBA team owner, stating:
“For me, that’s definitely on the table. I think I could do a pretty good job of helping sustain how great the NBA is right now and what it takes to run a championship organization. I know I have a lot more to accomplish on the court before I move into other roles in the league. The investment that it takes to create that first-class experience so we feel taken care of allows us to hoop at a high level.”
Steph Curry, 4x NBA champion, discusses his ambitions to eventually be a team owner in the NBA.
— CNBC (@CNBC) September 3, 2024
Watch more of his interview here: https://t.co/LYmYMXmrnk pic.twitter.com/mvw9DAavFe
Michael Jordan set the benchmark for former players owning NBA teams when he purchased the Charlotte Hornets, becoming the first former player to hold a majority stake in a franchise. Since then, several other former players have pursued ownership roles, albeit in minority capacities. Grant Hill, for instance, is a part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, Shaquille O’Neal previously held a stake in the Sacramento Kings, Dwyane Wade has a minority stake in the Utah Jazz, and Magic Johnson has been involved with the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, LeBron James has publicly expressed interest in owning or being part of an ownership group if and when a Las Vegas franchise is announced.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed in July that the league would consider expansion after the new media rights deal is completed. This expansion could present a prime opportunity for prospective owners like Curry. The new media deal, set to commence next season, is expected to significantly boost the league’s revenue, making ownership even more attractive and potentially facilitating the introduction of new teams. This expansion possibility aligns well with Curry's vision, as owning a team could provide him with a direct platform to influence the league's future direction.
For now, though, Curry remains focused on his on-court endeavors. He recently signed a one-year, $62.6 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, reaffirming his commitment to adding to his four NBA championships with the team. Curry’s legacy as a player is already secure, but his drive to explore new avenues within the sport demonstrates his multifaceted ambition. Whether on the court or in the boardroom, Curry's impact on the NBA is poised to continue.
As Curry contemplates his future in ownership, his journey mirrors that of many players who have transitioned into executive roles post-retirement. Ownership offers a way for former players to leverage their experience and insights into the business side of the sport, ensuring that the player perspective remains integral in the management of NBA teams. For fans and aspiring owners alike, Curry's aspirations signify the evolving landscape of athlete empowerment and influence in professional sports.
If Curry does pursue ownership, he would be joining a growing list of NBA legends who are shaping the future of the league from behind the scenes. His leadership, vision, and competitive spirit, which have defined his playing career, could translate seamlessly into a successful tenure as a team owner. As the NBA considers expansion and new opportunities arise, it will be intriguing to see how Curry navigates this next chapter of his career.
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