Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has purchased a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain and become a new shareholder.
NBA star Kevin Durant has officially become a minority shareholder of Paris Saint-Germain, the three-time defending Ligue 1 champions, as announced by the French club on Wednesday.
The recent Olympic gold medalist with Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games has invested “a few million dollars of his own money” to join the club, a source told ESPN.
He made this investment through Arctos Sports Partners, the American investment fund that acquired a 12.5% stake in the club in 2023, which valued PSG at $4.6 billion (€4.25 billion). Durant’s goal at the club is to further enhance the PSG brand in the United States, particularly from a marketing and sponsorship perspective, especially with the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup set to take place in America over the next two summers.
Durant, 35, who plays for the Phoenix Suns, is a passionate soccer fan and co-owner of the MLS’s Philadelphia Union. He is close friends with PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi and has visited the Paris training facility and Parc des Princes stadium several times prior to his investment.
Recently, on August 6th, he visited the PSG Campus to meet some of the players along with coach Luis Enrique and his technical staff.
A source informed ESPN that Durant is very excited to be involved with the club and takes his investment seriously.
Phoenix Suns Star Kevin Durant Purchases Minority Stake in Paris Saint-Germain
NBA star Kevin Durant has become the new minority shareholder of three-time defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, announced the French club on Wednesday. This strategic investment marks an exciting new chapter for Durant and PSG, as the basketball superstar aims to extend the club’s brand presence in the United States.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant (second from left) has purchased a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain and become a new shareholder. Courtesy Paris Saint-Germain
Investment Details
The recent Olympic gold medalist with Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games has made this significant investment through Arctos Sports Partners, an American investment fund that acquired a 12.5% stake in PSG in 2023, valuing the club at approximately $4.6 billion (€4.25 billion). A reliable source informed ESPN that Durant invested “a few million dollars of his own money” to join the ranks of PSG shareholders.
The Vision for PSG in the U.S.
By joining PSG, Durant aims to advance the club’s brand in the United States, leveraging his influence and connections within the sports community. The upcoming events, such as the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in America, present unique marketing opportunities for PSG to capitalize on the growing popularity of soccer in the country.
Key Goals for Durant’s Investment
- Enhance PSG’s brand visibility in the U.S.
- Develop partnerships for marketing and sponsorships.
- Leverage upcoming international soccer events for promotional activities.
Kevin Durant’s Passion for Soccer
At 35 years old, Durant not only excels on the basketball court for the Phoenix Suns but is also a passionate soccer fan. His enthusiasm for the sport led him to become a co-owner of the MLS’s Philadelphia Union. This new venture with Paris Saint-Germain is a natural extension of his interest in soccer and reflects his longstanding friendship with PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi. Durant has frequently visited PSG’s training ground and the renowned Parc des Princes stadium.
Recent Engagements with PSG
On August 6, 2024, Durant took the time to visit the PSG Campus where he greeted players, head coach Luis Enrique, and his technical team. This display of enthusiasm highlights Durant’s commitment to his investment and his desire to integrate with the PSG community.
Benefits of Durant’s Involvement in PSG
Increased Brand Recognition
The crossover of basketball and soccer culture through Durant’s involvement enables Paris Saint-Germain to tap into the vast NBA fanbase, increasing brand recognition and awareness.
Opportunities for Young Athletes
Durant’s partnership with PSG can also provide youth soccer programs and initiatives in the U.S., inspiring young athletes to cultivate their talents while fostering a love for soccer.
How Other Athletes Have Invested
Case Studies of Athlete Investments in Sports Teams
| Athlete | Team/Club | Investment Type |
|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | Liverpool FC | Minor Stake |
| Serena Williams | LA Galaxy | Minor Stake |
| David Beckham | Inter Miami CF | Co-Owner |
Practical Tips for Athletes Seeking to Invest in Sports
Research Your Options
Athletes should conduct thorough research to understand the financial implications and the long-term commitment required for investing in professional sports teams.
Network with Industry Professionals
Building relationships with existing team owners and franchise marketers can provide valuable insights and opportunities for investment.
Leverage Personal Brand
It’s essential for athletes to utilize their personal brand to bring additional value to the teams they invest in, thus enhancing potential returns on investment.
Future Prospects for PSG and Durant’s Role
Kevin Durant’s minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain not only signifies a powerful crossover of sports but is also poised to be a game-changer for the club’s commercial strategies in the U.S. The future looks bright, with opportunities arising from his engagement, potentially leading to further global recognition for both Durant and PSG.
As Kevin Durant settles into his new role as a minority shareholder, the spotlight will be on how his strategies influence the growth of Paris Saint-Germain in a rapidly evolving sports landscape.
