Football is an attractive business. Not only are former football players buying teams, as we have already noticed here. But NBA stars are also investing millions in the king of sports. Who? LeBron James and Kevin Durant are just two examples, but there are more.

LeBron James – Liverpool

Perhaps the best-known basketball player today, LeBron James acquired a 2% stake in the historic English club in 2011, with an investment of US$6.5 million.

The athlete is one of the investors in the Fenway Sports Group, which owns professional teams in several sports. In 2021, James converted his 2% position in Liverpool for a 1% stake in Fenway Sports Group.

According to Forbes, Liverpool is valued at $4.45 billion, which means the LA Lakers basketball player’s stake is worth around $82 million.

Kevin Durant – PSG

The Phoenix Suns star will be one of the new owners of PSG, from France. Kevin Durant is preparing to make an investment in Arctos Sports Partners, an American investment fund that has become a minority shareholder in the Parisian team.

PSG is valued at US$4.2 billion and is one of the most valuable teams in the world. Kevin Durant will help internationalize the team on American soil.

Arctos Sports Partners already holds an indirect position in Portuguese team Estoril-Praia.

Since 2020, Kevin Durant has held a minority stake in MLS team Philadelphia Union.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Nashville SC

The Greek star of the Milwaukee Bucks also invested in North American football when in 2023, together with his brothers Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo, he acquired a stake in MLS side Nashville SC.

The “Antetokounbros” bought the team in honor of their father, who was a football player.

The group of investors also included Filip Forsberg, player for the Nashville Predators (NHL).

James Harden – Houston Dynamo

Currently playing for the LA Clippers, James Harden purchased a minority stake in the investment group that controls MLS’ Houston Dynamo, NWSL’s Houston Dash and BBVA Stadium in 2019.

Harden reportedly acquired a 5% stake in the group with an overall valuation of at least $475 million.

Steve Nash – Vancouver Whitecaps FC and RCD Mallorca

Steve Nash is one of the American investors who own Mallorca, along with Steve Kerr (coach of the Golden State Warriors) and Andy Kohlberg, the latter a former tennis player and majority shareholder of the Spanish team.

It wasn’t the former NBA star’s first investment in football. In 2008, Nash became a shareholder in MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC.