{"id":603957,"date":"2026-04-24T16:41:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T16:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/603957\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T16:41:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T16:41:10","slug":"kevin-durant-team-owner-houston-rockets-star-has-interest-in-nba-nba-europe-investment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/603957\/","title":{"rendered":"Kevin Durant, team owner? Houston Rockets star has interest in NBA, NBA Europe investment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Houston Rockets<\/a> forward Kevin Durant<\/a> appears to have strategically kicked toward NBA ownership in Europe.<\/p>\n

The 16-time NBA All-Star purchased a minority stake in 2025 UEFA Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain on June 21, months after meeting PSG president and chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Coincidentally, the soccer giant\u2019s ownership group is \u201cpositively and actively\u201d preparing a bid for an NBA Europe franchise, L\u2019Equipe reported in March.<\/p>\n

NBA Europe<\/a> is expected to debut during the 2027-28 season. If PSG lands a basketball franchise, Durant could have a vested interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHell yeah, I\u2019d be interested,\u201d Durant told Andscape in December. \u201cWe never had NBA Europe before. So, to potentially connect the NBA to the rest of the world, that would be monumental. That would be some big-time s\u2011\u2011\u2011 to combine both leagues like that. For the NBA to be a 24\/7 global market, that would be incredible. I\u2019ve heard talks about it. \u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d want to be a part of it, helping any way I can to leave an imprint in a city like Paris, represent the NBA, represent basketball. But we will see what happens. [NBA commissioner] Adam [Silver] has so many ideas. His brain is probably swamped with s\u2011\u2011\u2011. We will see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tonight, Durant and his Rockets are at home in dire need of a win, down 2-0 in their best-of-seven first-round series against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.<\/p>\n

NBA Europe is projected to have 12 permanent teams and four additional annually qualified squads during the 2027-28 season. The NBA is reportedly seeking franchise entry fees ranging from $500 million to $1 billion for NBA Europe, according to Sports Business Journal. <\/p>\n

Like Durant, James also has ownership in a soccer franchise that could potentially add a team in NBA Europe. Liverpool FC reportedly has interest in buying an NBA Europe franchise, according to City AM, and James has an ownership stake in the club. Tony Parker, the former San Antonio Spurs star and current president of French basketball club A LDLC ASVEL, is actively positioning his club to join in NBA Europe as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t heard much on it. There are rumors, like there has always been,\u201d Durant told Andscape on April 6 when asked the latest he\u2019s heard about PSG and NBA Europe. \u201cA lot of s\u2011\u2011\u2011 can happen quick. I don\u2019t know for a fact. I\u2019m just hearing stuff from articles and narratives. I haven\u2019t heard anything too concrete, but we will see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"KevinForward Kevin Durant on NBA Europe: \u201cAnything that can connect the NBA through the rest of the world, a structured league, hell yeah I\u2019m down for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jevone Moore\/Icon Sportswire<\/p>\n

NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said in an April 1 statement that the NBA and FIBA plan to begin reviewing bids from potential teams and investors of permanent teams in Europe. Durant told Andscape that being part of NBA Europe through PSG was \u201cin the cards\u201d when he became a minority owner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we were out there for the Olympics, I went to the PSG headquarters,\u201d said Durant, who played on USA Basketball\u2019s 2024 Olympic gold medal team. \u201cWe had a mutual friend that introduced us, and Nasser and me just built from there. This was in the cards. This was in play, PSG Basketball. They want more of an imprint in the United States. They want more of their brand recognized more around the world, not just in Europe. Mainly in the United States.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t had any real in-depth talk with anyone about it. It\u2019s just background noise right now. \u2026 We will have to see what progresses from it. I\u2019m always ready to project myself into the game and the growth of the sport. That would be a huge growth for the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

NBA players are not allowed to invest in NBA teams as of now, per the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players\u2019 union. But there is nothing in the CBA that precludes NBA players from being part owners of Basketball Africa League (BAL) teams or potentially in NBA Europe. One prominent NBA agent, however, told Andscape the expectation is that active NBA players will ultimately be able to have a minority but not controlling interest in NBA Europe teams.<\/p>\n

Durant, 37, is under contract with the Rockets through the 2027-28 season, which means he would likely still be playing in the NBA when NBA Europe starts. During the NBA Cup in December, Andscape asked NBA commissioner Adam Silver his thoughts about Durant potentially being a minority owner of PSG\u2019s possible NBA Europe franchise.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, there\u2019s a lot built into your question \u2014 the assumption that PSG would have a team, and then if PSG were to have a team, that Kevin Durant, who\u2019s an investor in PSG, could remain,\u201d Silver answered. \u201cThose are all issues we have to work through. I would say, as you know, if you just begin with the framework in the U.S., because we have a salary cap system, we don\u2019t allow players \u2014 by agreement with the players\u2019 association \u2014 to also be investors in NBA clubs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe view that as a conflict. But incidentally, they can invest in WNBA teams if they\u2019re not NBA owners, and we have some players who have done that. So, I think that once we make a decision on Europe and then we\u2019re looking at who the right owners are, if there was a situation where a player had an investment in that ownership group, we would have to figure out a framework for those issues and work with the players\u2019 association on that, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant takes positives from every stop on his NBA journey \u2013 AndscapeRead now<\/a><\/p>\n

One prominent NBA agent told Andscape he wouldn\u2019t be surprised if NBA stars from Europe like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Don\u010di\u0107 would be interested in ownership in NBA Europe. Don\u010di\u0107 is part of an investor group headed by ex-Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson that is seeking to bring a team to Rome as part of NBA Europe, The Athletic has reported. The BAL is also expected to transition to a franchise-based system by 2027, with 10 permanent franchises and two annual qualifiers. An owner of a team playing in the BAL this season told Andscape that the NBA that is having conversations with potential franchise owners for teams that could have a starting price of about $50 million.<\/p>\n

Antetokounmpo said during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend that he would have interest in ownership in the NBA in retirement and NBA Europe and the Basketball Africa League now. Antetokounmpo was born in Greece, played in Greece for Filathlitikos BC from 2011-13, and his parents are from Nigeria. Antetokounmpo is currently a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, MLS\u2019s Nashville SC and Chelsea FC\u2019s women soccer team.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything that comes across my desk to be an owner in sports, I would consider it,\u201d Antetokounmpo said. \u201cThe NBA as well. \u2026 If I ever come into a position where I\u2019m able to make that decision and it won\u2019t affect my lifestyle, my family lifestyle, it won\u2019t be too risky for the growth of my wealth and network, I\u2019d definitely consider doing it. I love the game of basketball. Any way I can be involved in it, I\u2019d love to be involved. Whether it\u2019s playing or I can be in a position to coach or maybe an owner, I\u2019d love to do it.<\/p>\n

\u201cEquity in anything that has to do with the NBA, it\u2019s smart. Take it. Don\u2019t leave it on the table. I\u2019m taking it. If you give me equity in anything in the NBA, I\u2019m taking it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durant, through his investment vehicle 35V and Boardroom, also holds ownership stakes in the Philadelphia Union (MLS), Gotham FC (NWSL), Premier Lacrosse League, and Major League Pickleball\u2019s Brooklyn team. The 2014 NBA MVP said he has never been to Africa, but he would also be interested in learning more about the BAL and potential ownership.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything that can connect the NBA through the rest of the world, a structured league, hell yeah I\u2019m down for it,\u201d Durant said. \u201cI\u2019ve been inspired by [former NBA All-Star] Luol Deng since I was in high school. To see what he is doing in South Sudan, for his people and the game of basketball, I\u2019m sure that is someone I can get with and pick his brain a little bit. There is so much happening with the game of basketball, the content. \u2026 There can be some big changes, some big shifts in the game of basketball.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Michael Jordan\u2019s sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in June 2023, there was no longer any majority African American ownership in the NBA. The only two people of color who now have majority ownership in an NBA team are the Sacramento Kings\u2019 Vivek Ranadive and the Brooklyn Nets\u2019 Joe Tsai. Jordan\u2019s sale also meant that there was no majority ownership of any team by any former player.<\/p>\n

Jordan bought a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets (then the Bobcats) for approximately $275 million in March 2010, then sold his majority stake in the Hornets in 2023 at $3 billion. Durant was impressed and inspired by Jordan\u2019s return on investment.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust like any businessman, at times, it\u2019s a great stock to have in the NBA,\u201d Durant said. \u201cHe didn\u2019t pay a billion for that team. And to get paid [$3 billion] for that team is a win. Mike did it the right way. He experienced coming in as an owner and an executive. He has done everything he needed to do within the game of basketball. It was inspiring to see him own the Charlotte team in his home [state] and run the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durant has dreams of being of being part of an NBA ownership team when he retires. The two-time NBA champion is the NBA\u2019s all-time leader in career earnings, with approximately $598.2 million in on-court salary valuation based on past and future guaranteed salary contract amounts. But in order for the likes of Durant, James, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry or another wealthy NBA player to purchase a franchise when their playing days are over, Durant acknowledges they likely won\u2019t be doing so alone.<\/p>\n

The Portland Trail Blazers sold for $4.25 billion in March, while the Lakers sold for a franchise valuation of $10 billion in October 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cSole owner? No. But you can definitely being a part of a group,\u201d Durant said. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t say a player could have full control. \u2018Bron, maybe. It has to be one of those types of players. Steph, \u2019Bron, myself. It takes players that have been in the league for a while, that have relationships, that are building businesses off the floor. You got to have a lot of capital to buy an NBA team. I\u2019m not banking on it, but I\u2019d love for it to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GiannisLuka Don\u010di\u0107 (left) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (right) are two NBA players who would be interested in ownership in NBA Europe, which is expected to debut during the 2027-28 season.<\/p>\n

Harry How\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

When asked about the NBA not having any African American NBA ownership, Durant had a more global and diverse point of view.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just hope Black wealth around the world changes, not just in the [NBA],\u201d Durant said. \u201cI want to see more African Americans become hundred-millionaires, billionaires. I just think around the world there should be more representation of Black Americans that obtain wealth. And of course, it could trickle down to every industry. There could be more. Overall, that is something we need to keep growing as Black Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Durant is now in his 19th NBA season after beginning his with the now defunct Seattle SuperSonics. The Sonics played in Seattle for 41 seasons from 1967 to 2008 before moving to Oklahoma City and becoming the Thunder. The NBA has said it plans on adding two expansion franchises in the coming years, most likely in Seattle and Las Vegas. The WNBA also added the expansion Golden State Valkyries last season and are adding the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire this season. The WNBA also plans to add new franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030).<\/p>\n

Durant is happy to see the projected return of the NBA to Seattle.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is exciting times being in the NBA,\u201d Durant said. \u201cExpansion in the WNBA and the NBA just shows that the game is being consumed all over the world. It\u2019s in high demand in these markets. The league is in a great place when you can expand. It\u2019s that simple. So, we\u2019ll what happens. Vegas and Seattle are coming around. I\u2019m looking forward to it. \u2026<\/p>\n

\u201c[Seattle] was great to hear. That is a basketball town. Not having an NBA team makes a huge void in a city, especially after having one for that long and building up such a dope brand. And then leaving for 20 years is tough to take as a fan or somebody who lives in that region.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasn\u2019t been able to in years and his knees still hurt.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant appears to have strategically kicked toward NBA ownership in Europe. The 16-time NBA…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":603958,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[355,99],"class_list":["post-603957","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nba","tag-nba","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603957","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=603957"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603957\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/603958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=603957"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=603957"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=603957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}