NBA superstar Kevin Durant continues to make waves, not just on the basketball court but also in the world of sports business. Recently, Durant made headlines by purchasing a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), one of Europe’s most prestigious soccer clubs. The move is part of Durant’s ongoing efforts to diversify his investment portfolio and expand his influence beyond basketball.
Durant’s decision to invest in PSG reflects a growing trend among elite athletes who are increasingly venturing into sports ownership. It’s not just about the financial upside—these investments are also about leveraging their platforms and influence to make an impact in global sports. With PSG, Durant is stepping into the world of European soccer, a realm that has its own unique dynamics, opportunities, and challenges. Here’s what this move means for Durant, PSG, and the broader sports industry.
### Kevin Durant: Athlete, Entrepreneur, and Investor
Over the past decade, Durant has solidified himself as one of the most talented and accomplished basketball players of his generation. With multiple NBA championships, Finals MVPs, and scoring titles to his name, Durant has earned his place among the basketball elite. But his ambitions extend far beyond the hardwood. Durant has been steadily building a diverse investment portfolio through his company, Thirty Five Ventures, which he co-founded with business partner Rich Kleiman.
Thirty Five Ventures has made investments across various sectors, including technology, media, and sports. Durant’s portfolio includes stakes in tech startups, production companies, and sports teams, making him one of the most business-savvy athletes of his era. His decision to invest in PSG is the latest step in a calculated strategy to expand his influence and build a lasting legacy in the world of business and sports.
Durant is no stranger to sports ownership. He previously invested in the Philadelphia Union, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club, becoming a minority owner in 2020. That investment marked Durant’s initial foray into the soccer world, and it appears that his experience with the Union has only deepened his interest in the sport. By acquiring a stake in PSG, Durant is taking his involvement in soccer to the global stage.
Why PSG?
Paris Saint-Germain is one of the most iconic soccer clubs in the world. Based in Paris, France, PSG has built a global brand thanks to its success on the field, high-profile signings, and savvy marketing. The club has won numerous domestic titles, including multiple Ligue 1 championships, and has become a regular contender in the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition.
PSG’s star-studded roster, which has included players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé, has made the club a global powerhouse. Its Qatari ownership group, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), has poured significant resources into the club since acquiring it in 2011, transforming PSG into a dominant force in European soccer.
For Durant, investing in PSG offers several strategic advantages. First, it provides access to one of the world’s biggest sports markets. Soccer is by far the most popular sport globally, and PSG’s presence in Europe’s top leagues ensures that the club is always in the spotlight. This visibility aligns with Durant’s broader goal of building a global brand, and being associated with a club of PSG’s stature can only enhance his profile internationally.
Additionally, PSG’s business model and marketing prowess provide opportunities for Durant to learn and collaborate with one of the most successful sports organizations in the world. PSG has been at the forefront of sports marketing and fan engagement, leveraging its global reach to attract sponsors, partnerships, and fans from all corners of the world. By becoming a minority owner, Durant gains access to this wealth of knowledge and experience, which can inform his other business ventures.
The Growing Trend of Athlete Investors
Durant’s investment in PSG is part of a larger trend of athletes becoming involved in sports ownership. In recent years, numerous high-profile athletes have invested in professional sports teams across various leagues and sports. LeBron James, for instance, holds a stake in Liverpool FC, another European soccer giant, while tennis legend Serena Williams has invested in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
This trend reflects a shift in how athletes view their careers and post-playing opportunities. Rather than simply endorsing products or investing passively, many athletes are now taking a more active role in shaping the sports industry. By becoming owners, they can have a direct influence on the direction of their teams and the business of sports.
For Durant, investing in PSG is not just about the financial returns—it’s also about positioning himself as a key player in the global sports business. Ownership offers a seat at the table in discussions that shape the future of sports, from media rights to fan engagement strategies. This level of involvement allows athletes like Durant to leverage their personal brands in new and meaningful ways.
PSG and the Future of Global Soccer
Paris Saint-Germain is already a dominant force in European soccer, but the club has even bigger ambitions. With aspirations of winning the UEFA Champions League and solidifying its place as one of the top clubs in the world, PSG is constantly looking for ways to innovate and grow. Durant’s involvement adds a new dimension to the club’s strategy, particularly in terms of expanding its presence in the U.S. market.
Soccer’s popularity in the United States has been growing steadily, and PSG has been keen to capitalize on this trend. The club has toured the U.S. on multiple occasions and has partnerships with American brands and celebrities. Having an American sports icon like Durant as part of the ownership group strengthens PSG’s connection to the U.S. market and helps the club reach a wider audience.
In the coming years, PSG’s success will hinge on its ability to maintain its dominance in France while competing at the highest levels in Europe. Durant’s investment may also signal a broader trend of increased American involvement in European soccer, as more investors recognize the global potential of the sport.
A Bold Move for Durant
Kevin Durant’s decision to purchase a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain is a bold and strategic move that reflects his growing influence in the world of sports business. By aligning himself with one of the most prestigious soccer clubs in the world, Durant is positioning himself as a global sports figure whose impact extends beyond the NBA.
As an athlete, entrepreneur, and investor, Durant continues to break new ground, and his involvement with PSG adds yet another chapter to his already impressive legacy. With this move, Durant is not just betting on the future of PSG—he’s also betting on the continued globalization of sports and the opportunities that come with it. For PSG, having a global icon like Durant on board only enhances the club’s brand and its ability to compete on the world stage.
As Durant navigates his basketball career and continues to expand his business empire, his investment in PSG stands as a testament to his vision, ambition, and understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of sports.