Black Celebs Who Own Sports Teams

The landscape of sports ownership has shifted significantly over the last few decades as Black celebrities move from the sidelines to the boardroom. Actors, musicians, and athletes are increasingly investing their wealth into major franchises across the globe to build generational legacies. This trend represents a powerful stride toward diversity in a space historically dominated by a select few. These investments provide not only financial returns but also a voice in the direction and culture of the teams they love. The following individuals have made headlines by acquiring stakes in various sports leagues.

Michael Jordan

This basketball legend made history as the first Black majority owner of an NBA team when he took control of the Charlotte Hornets. Although he sold the majority interest in 2023 he retained a minority stake in the franchise to stay involved. He also co-founded the NASCAR team 23XI Racing to bring more diversity to the world of auto racing. His business moves have paved the way for other athletes to transition into high-level ownership roles. Jordan remains the gold standard for athletes leveraging their playing careers into executive power.

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson has built an incredibly diverse portfolio of sports teams in Los Angeles and beyond. He is a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and helped the team secure a World Series title after his investment. His holdings extend to the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks and Major League Soccer with LAFC. He recently expanded his reach to the NFL by joining the ownership group of the Washington Commanders. Johnson proves that former players can become titans of industry and sports management.

LeBron James

The active NBA superstar has strategically invested in iconic franchises through his partnership with Fenway Sports Group. His portfolio includes stakes in the Boston Red Sox and the English Premier League club Liverpool FC. He also holds an interest in the NHL team the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Italian soccer champions AC Milan. James continues to play at an elite level while simultaneously building a business empire that rivals established tycoons. His approach demonstrates how modern athletes can diversify their assets during their playing days.

Serena Williams

Tennis icon Serena Williams became the first Black female owner in the NFL when she and her sister invested in the Miami Dolphins in 2009. She is also a key investor in the NWSL club Angel City FC and supports the team’s mission to elevate women’s sports. Her venture capital firm focuses on empowering diverse founders and this philosophy extends to her sports investments. Williams uses her platform to advocate for gender equity and representation in ownership suites. Her involvement has brought significant attention and value to the franchises she backs.

Venus Williams

Venus Williams joined her sister Serena to purchase a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins. This move solidified their status as pioneers for Black women in the exclusive world of NFL ownership. She remains an active voice in sports and continues to break barriers on and off the court. Her investment in the Dolphins highlights her lifelong commitment to excellence and leadership in athletics. Williams inspires the next generation of women to seek positions of power within the sports industry.

Usher

R&B superstar Usher acquired a stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005. He invested shortly after LeBron James began his rise and was present for the team’s historic championship run in 2016. Usher is frequently seen courtside and remains a passionate supporter of the franchise. His long-term commitment to the Cavaliers demonstrates the viability of musician-led sports ownership. He blazed a trail for other artists to see sports teams as serious investment vehicles.

Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has deeply planted his roots in the city by investing in local sports teams. He became the youngest owner in MLB history when he bought a stake in the Kansas City Royals. He also co-owns the MLS club Sporting Kansas City and the NWSL team the Kansas City Current. His financial involvement in these teams shows a profound dedication to the community that embraced him. Mahomes is building a legacy in Kansas City that will last far beyond his playing days.

Dwyane Wade

NBA champion Dwyane Wade purchased an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz after retiring from basketball. He also invested in the WNBA by joining the ownership group of the Chicago Sky to support women’s basketball in his hometown. Wade expanded his portfolio to soccer by buying into Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. He takes a hands-on approach and often mentors players within the organizations he owns. His multifaceted investments reflect a desire to shape the future of multiple sports.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Greek Freak became a minority owner of the MLB team the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021. He later joined the ownership group of Nashville SC in Major League Soccer alongside his brothers. These investments deepen his connection to the city of Milwaukee and expand his influence into the global game of soccer. Antetokounmpo is one of the few active NBA players to hold stakes in two major American sports leagues. His story from humble beginnings to sports mogul is truly inspiring.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has used his company Thirty Five Ventures to acquire stakes in several soccer clubs. He is a minority owner of the MLS team Philadelphia Union and the NWSL club NJ/NY Gotham FC. He recently expanded into European football with a minority investment in the French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain. Durant is also a major investor in professional pickleball and continues to identify emerging sports markets. His investment strategy is aggressive and forward-thinking.

Lewis Hamilton

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton joined the ownership group of the Denver Broncos in 2022. He partnered with the Walton-Penner family to acquire the NFL franchise in a record-breaking deal. Hamilton is passionate about increasing diversity in sports leadership and uses his position to advocate for change. His entry into American football ownership marks a significant crossover between global motorsport and the NFL. He brings a winning mentality and a global perspective to the Broncos organization.

Condoleezza Rice

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a key member of the Denver Broncos ownership group. She brings a wealth of leadership experience and a lifelong passion for football to the franchise. Rice has always expressed a deep love for the sport and previously served on the College Football Playoff selection committee. Her role with the Broncos breaks barriers for Black women in the highest echelons of NFL management. She serves as a strategic advisor and a face of the diverse ownership team.

Sheila Johnson

Sheila Johnson is a pioneering entrepreneur who holds stakes in three professional sports teams in Washington. She is the first Black woman to be an owner or partner in three separate professional sports leagues. Her portfolio includes the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals, and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. Johnson serves as the President and Managing Partner of the Mystics and champions women’s sports. Her historic achievements have opened doors for countless others in the industry.

J. Cole

Rapper J. Cole turned his love for basketball into a business venture by buying a stake in the Charlotte Hornets. He was part of the group that acquired the majority interest from Michael Jordan in 2023. Cole is a North Carolina native and his investment represents a dream come true for the hip-hop artist. He is frequently seen at games and remains deeply connected to the basketball culture of his home state. His move signals the growing intersection between hip-hop culture and NBA ownership.

Drake

Global music icon Drake joined forces with RedBird Capital and LeBron James to invest in AC Milan. He also played a role in saving the Italian club Venezia FC from bankruptcy by raising capital and designing their jerseys. His involvement brings a massive cultural cachet and marketing appeal to these European soccer clubs. Drake uses his global brand to attract new younger fans to the historic teams. His investments highlight the global reach of Black celebrity influence in sports.

Michael B. Jordan

Actor Michael B. Jordan led a minority ownership group to invest in the English Premier League club AFC Bournemouth. He also joined the investor group for the Alpine F1 Team alongside other Hollywood stars. Jordan is active in designing kits and marketing the teams to international audiences. His investments mark a significant step for Black actors entering the European sports market. He combines his passion for sports with his creative vision to elevate the brands he owns.

Marshawn Lynch

Retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch is a minority owner of the NHL team the Seattle Kraken. He also invests in his hometown soccer team the Oakland Roots to support the local community. Lynch brings his authentic personality and love for Oakland to the organizations he backs. He is often seen engaging with fans and driving excitement for the Kraken. His transition from player to owner has been seamless and impactful.

Yo Gotti

Rapper and music executive Yo Gotti invested in the MLS franchise D.C. United. He joined the ownership group to expand his business portfolio into the world of sports. Gotti is committed to using his influence to bridge the gap between music and soccer culture. His investment reflects the increasing appeal of MLS to major figures in the entertainment industry. He actively promotes the team and engages with the fanbase.

Andre Iguodala

NBA veteran Andre Iguodala is a primary investor in the NWSL expansion team Bay FC. He also holds a stake in the English soccer club Leeds United through 49ers Enterprises. Iguodala is widely respected for his tech and business investments in Silicon Valley. He uses his platform to champion women’s sports and global soccer development. His portfolio reflects a sophisticated understanding of the modern sports economy.

Russell Westbrook

NBA star Russell Westbrook invested in the English soccer club Leeds United as part of the 49ers Enterprises group. He sees football as a global game with immense growth potential and cultural significance. Westbrook brings his intense competitive nature and business interests to the historic English club. His investment connects the NBA world with the passionate fanbase of English football. He continues to expand his business footprint beyond basketball.

Thierry Henry

French soccer legend Thierry Henry became a minority owner of the Italian club Como 1907. He joined the project to help the historic team rise through the ranks of Italian football. Henry brings unparalleled football knowledge and global recognition to the club. He is actively involved in the strategic vision and development of the team. His ownership role allows him to shape the future of a club with great potential.

Didier Drogba

Iconic striker Didier Drogba became a player-owner of the USL team Phoenix Rising FC. He helped lead the team to success on the field while managing operations from the boardroom. Drogba has been instrumental in the club’s efforts to secure an MLS expansion slot. His unique dual role demonstrated his commitment to building soccer in North America. He remains a key figure in the club’s leadership and long-term planning.

Stormzy

Grime artist Stormzy joined Wilfried Zaha in acquiring AFC Croydon Athletic. The musician is a passionate football fan and wanted to invest in the community where he grew up. His involvement brings massive cultural relevance and attention to the small club. Stormzy aims to use the team as a vehicle for community development and youth empowerment. The partnership between him and Zaha creates a powerful narrative for local ownership.

Ice Cube

Hip-hop legend and actor Ice Cube founded and owns the Big3 basketball league. While not a single team owner in the traditional sense he owns the entire league and its teams. He created the league to give retired NBA players a platform to continue competing at a high level. His vision turned a 3-on-3 basketball concept into a professional touring phenomenon. Ice Cube continues to innovate and fight for the recognition of his league in the sports world.

Tems

Nigerian singer Tems made waves by investing in the MLS expansion team San Diego FC. Her involvement marks a significant moment for African artists entering the American sports market. She brings a fresh perspective and global fan following to the new franchise. Tems is excited to support the growth of soccer in Southern California. Her investment highlights the global intersection of music and sports.

Snoop Dogg

West Coast rap legend Snoop Dogg became a minority co-owner of the Welsh football club Swansea City. He has long been a supporter of various sports and decided to take a formal stake in the UK team. Snoop plans to be an active participant in promoting the club and engaging with its supporters. His charismatic presence is expected to raise the international profile of Swansea City. This move solidifies his status as a ubiquitous figure in global sports culture.

Candace Parker

WNBA superstar Candace Parker is a founding investor in the NWSL club Angel City FC. She joined the ownership group to support the advancement of women’s professional sports in Los Angeles. Parker understands the importance of athlete ownership and female leadership. She uses her voice to advocate for equal pay and better conditions for female athletes. Her investment ensures she will have a lasting impact on women’s sports beyond basketball.

Gabrielle Union

Actress Gabrielle Union is a proud co-owner of Angel City FC alongside her daughter Kaavia. She is a vocal supporter of the team and frequently attends matches to rally the fans. Union is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering environment within the organization. Her involvement brings Hollywood glamour and passionate advocacy to the NWSL. She champions the team as a model for progress in women’s sports.

Uzo Aduba

Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba is another celebrity investor in Angel City FC. She joined the diverse, female-led ownership group to help build a franchise from the ground up. Aduba is a former athlete herself and deeply values the power of team sports. She is committed to the club’s mission of community impact and social responsibility. Her participation highlights the wide-ranging support for the team among Black women in Hollywood.

Nelly

Rapper Nelly became a minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004 which later became the Hornets. He was one of the first hip-hop artists to successfully invest in an NBA franchise. Nelly has remained with the team through various ownership changes and rebranding efforts. He represents the long-standing connection between the music industry and professional basketball. His early entry into ownership paved the way for many others on this list.

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