Owning a sports team has long been a dream for many billionaires, including celebrities, who often have the means and the desire to be involved in high-stakes, high-visibility industries. In the world of sports, some of the wealthiest and most famous individuals have expanded their portfolios by purchasing or investing in teams, making waves in the sports industry. Not only do these celebrity-owners bring their star power to the teams they own, but they also add value, visibility, and unique perspectives to the operations of these franchises.
In this article, we will explore some of the most notable billionaire celebrities who own sports teams, their paths to ownership, and how they’ve impacted the teams they’ve invested in.
1. LeBron James – LA Lakers (NBA)
LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has not only amassed a fortune through his NBA career but has also been very savvy when it comes to investments. While LeBron has built his career and wealth on the basketball court, he’s ventured beyond the sport with business deals, acting, and significant ownership stakes in various industries. Among his most notable investments is his stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James became a part-owner of the Lakers in 2011, acquiring a minority stake in the team. His role as both a player and an owner creates a unique dynamic within the Lakers organization, where he has contributed to the team’s performance and culture. James’s influence extends far beyond the hardwood. He has helped elevate the Lakers’ global brand through his vast fanbase, endorsement deals, and his own media company, SpringHill Entertainment.
While LeBron’s exact ownership percentage in the Lakers is not public, his association with the team, both on and off the court, has increased the team’s visibility and popularity. His business savvy in sports has cemented him as not only an athlete but also an influential figure in the broader entertainment and sports ecosystem.
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2. Jay-Z – Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
Jay-Z, one of the most successful musicians in the world, is also a seasoned businessman. His ventures into the world of sports began when he became a minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets in 2004. Jay-Z’s involvement in the team was part of his desire to promote Brooklyn, his hometown, and elevate the profile of the Nets.
While Jay-Z sold his stake in the team in 2013 in order to launch his Roc Nation Sports agency, his impact on the Nets is undeniable. His ownership helped the team move from New Jersey to Brooklyn, which played a pivotal role in revitalizing the franchise. Additionally, Jay-Z’s role as a high-profile celebrity owner attracted other celebrities and high-profile athletes to the team. Under his influence, the Nets went through a significant brand transformation, embracing a more modern and high-profile image, thanks in no small part to his connections in the world of entertainment.
Although Jay-Z is no longer directly involved with the Nets, his legacy as a celebrity owner in the NBA has had a lasting influence, and he continues to have a significant impact on the world of sports through his agency and business ventures.
3. Michael Jordan – Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, is one of the most prominent celebrity owners in the sports world today. After an illustrious career in the NBA, Jordan made the transition from being a legendary player to becoming an influential owner. In 2010, he became the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a team that has had varying levels of success since he took the reins.
Jordan’s ownership of the Hornets is a full-circle moment for him, as he had initially played for the Charlotte Hornets (formerly known as the Charlotte Bobcats) during the later part of his playing career. His decision to buy the team was driven by a desire to contribute to the city of Charlotte and help elevate the Hornets’ success in the league. As an owner, Jordan has been both a fan and a fierce competitor, attempting to build a winning team, but has also faced some struggles with team performance.
That said, Jordan’s ownership has significantly raised the visibility of the Hornets, and his influence as a global sports icon has been key in attracting major endorsement deals and partnerships for the team. While his tenure as the owner hasn’t resulted in a championship just yet, Michael Jordan remains one of the most important figures in the sports world today, not just as a player but also as a visionary owner.
4. David Beckham – Inter Miami CF (MLS)
David Beckham, the international soccer superstar, made waves when he became the co-owner of the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Inter Miami CF in 2018. Beckham, one of the most recognizable soccer players of all time, has a deep passion for the sport and a vision for growing soccer in the United States. His investment in the team came after his successful tenure with the LA Galaxy, where he played a pivotal role in boosting the profile of MLS in the U.S. with his presence on the field.
Beckham’s entry into MLS ownership was made possible through a unique clause in his original contract with LA Galaxy, which allowed him to purchase an MLS team for a discounted rate. With the creation of Inter Miami, Beckham aimed to build a team that would rival the biggest clubs in Europe and elevate the profile of soccer in the U.S. and Latin America. His celebrity status has brought international attention to Inter Miami, and his influence has attracted top talent to the team.
As co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham has been hands-on in the club’s development, helping to shape the team’s roster, secure sponsorship deals, and forge connections with soccer powerhouses around the globe. Beckham’s role in the U.S. soccer landscape is incredibly influential, and his ownership of Inter Miami further solidifies his impact on the sport.
5. Will Smith – Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
Will Smith, the legendary actor and musician, has long been known for his diverse portfolio of investments. While he has made a name for himself as an A-list Hollywood star, Smith has also entered the world of sports ownership. In 2011, he became part of the ownership group for the Philadelphia 76ers, an NBA team based in his hometown.
Smith is one of several celebrities who own a minority stake in the 76ers, along with businessman and investor Michael Rubin. The 76ers, known for their long-standing fan base and history, have benefited from Will Smith’s involvement in their ownership group. While Smith’s exact role in the day-to-day management of the team is not clear, his star power and influence in the entertainment industry have helped elevate the 76ers’ brand globally.
Beyond the 76ers, Will Smith has also invested in other sports-related ventures and remains a significant figure in the entertainment world. His involvement with the 76ers continues to reinforce his position as one of the most successful celebrity investors in sports.
6. Jay-Z – Philadelphia 76ers and New York Yankees (MLB)
In addition to his role with the Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z has expanded his sports ownership ventures over the years. Jay-Z owns a minority stake in the Philadelphia 76ers alongside other investors. Additionally, the rapper-turned-business mogul was also a partial owner of the New York Yankees’ YES Network, further solidifying his status as a major player in the sports ownership world.
Jay-Z’s sports investments and business ventures go beyond simple ownership. He also owns Roc Nation Sports, which represents athletes across various sports, helping to further cement his place as an influencer in the sports industry. His role in the ownership groups of the 76ers and Yankees has been strategic, using his network and resources to help elevate the teams’ visibility and brand recognition.
7. Shaquille O’Neal – Sacramento Kings (NBA)
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history, has parlayed his basketball success into a variety of business ventures, including sports ownership. O’Neal has an ownership stake in the Sacramento Kings, which he acquired as part of a larger investment group.
While O’Neal’s involvement in the Kings is more of a minority ownership role, his influence is still significant. O’Neal is involved in many aspects of the Kings’ operations, including team promotion, fan engagement, and building a winning culture. His celebrity status and business acumen have helped the Kings gain a stronger presence both in the NBA and in the broader sports community.
8. Eli Manning – Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
Eli Manning, the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, has made investments in sports franchises, including a minority stake in the Memphis Grizzlies. As an athlete with a deep love for sports beyond football, Manning’s involvement with the Grizzlies allows him to use his celebrity status and business knowledge to support a franchise that is constantly working to build a competitive team.
Manning’s involvement in the Grizzlies reflects his commitment to the world of sports and his ability to transition from the football field to the sports business world seamlessly. His experience as an elite athlete helps inform his decisions as an investor and owner in the NBA.
Conclusion
The world of sports ownership has become an exciting domain for billionaire celebrities to expand their influence and wealth. Whether they’re part of an ownership group or hold a minority stake in a franchise, celebrity sports owners bring a unique mix of celebrity status, business acumen, and strategic thinking to the table. From LeBron James and Michael Jordan to David Beckham and Will Smith, these billionaires have shown that owning a sports team isn’t just about enjoying the luxury of it—it’s also about influencing the future of the franchise and impacting the sports industry.
As the intersection of sports, entertainment, and business continues to evolve, more celebrities will likely become involved in sports ownership. Their involvement brings significant attention to their teams, increasing visibility, attracting new fans, and adding a layer of excitement to the world of professional sports. Celebrity ownership is no longer a rarity—it’s become an essential element of modern sports culture, combining passion with entrepreneurial spirit to create a truly dynamic and exciting sports landscape.