7 Celebrities Who Are NBA/WNBA Franchise Owners
Tom Brady is back… in the news. Brady announced yesterday via his social media accounts that he has become a partial owner of the Las Vegas Aces WNBA franchise. The…
Tom Brady is back… in the news. Brady announced yesterday via his social media accounts that he has become a partial owner of the Las Vegas Aces WNBA franchise. The Aces are the 2022 league champions. It turns out there are various celebrities who are NBA/WNBA franchise owners. Needless to say, Brady is joining another competitive group.
"I'm ready to contribute in any way possible as a member of such a great organization. What an honor. I can't wait to watch these amazing talented players bring another championship to Las Vegas. LFG," Brady said in a video posted to his social media accounts.
It's become quite popular for celebrities to claim a piece of professional sports franchises over the past 20 years. While sports such as car racing initially saw the most outside ownership involvement, other arenas like Major League Soccer have recently had an increase in celebrity interest.
All of a sudden, we are now in the height of basketball season. March Madness is in full swing and there are two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season. Furthermore, the WNBA tips off its 2023 activity with the draft on April 10th. With all of these tipoffs in mind, we highlight seven celebrities who are (partial) NBA/WNBA franchise owners across the country, from GOATS, to a Chicago Sky of destiny, and two A-Rods.
Michael Jordan - Charlotte Hornets
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesThough there have been rumors that Jordan is looking to sell the franchise, Jordan has had an ownership stake in Charlotte since they were the Bobcats. He is credited for helping rebrand the team back to the Hornets. Jordan became the majority owner in 2010.
Alex Rodriguez - Minnesota Timberwolves
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesARod and his business partner, Marc Lore, became 20% owners of the Timberwolves in 2021. They will become the official majority owners this year. The deal incudes the Wolves sister team, the Minnesota Lynx.
Michelle Williams - Chicago Sky
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesSinger Michelle Williams became a minority shareholder in the WNBA's Chicago Sky in 2006. She joined forces with Matthew Knowles, Beyonce's father.
Justin Timberlake - Memphis Grizzlies
Isaiah Vazquez/Clarkson Creative/Getty ImagesTimberlake, along with his wife Jessica Biel, are minority owners of the Grizz. Timberlake who has often been spotted courtside at various NBA arenas, is a Memphis native.
Aaron Rodgers - Milwaukee Bucks
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesRodgers may leave the Green Bay Packers, but he is still attached to the state of Wisconsin. He is a minority owner of the 2021 NBA champions.
Usher - Cleveland Cavaliers
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe answer to why was Usher seen celebrating so much when the Cavs won the championship in 2016 is because he is a minority owner of the team. Though the Gilbert family still holds the majority stake, Usher bought in to the organization in 2005.
