Former Stars Turn Investors, Buying Stakes Across Major Sports Franchises
A growing number of retired athletes are acquiring ownership positions in teams ranging from the WNBA to the NFL and MLS.
Retired athletes are increasingly moving into the business side of sports, with Diana Taurasi eyeing a future role in the Phoenix Mercury’s ownership structure. Michael Jordan broke new ground in 2010 by becoming the NBA’s first former player to hold a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. Sue Bird joined the Seattle Storm’s ownership group, Force 10 Hoops, ahead of the 2024 campaign after a 19-year playing career.
Tom Brady added minority holdings in the Las Vegas Aces in 2023 and the Raiders in 2024, while also investing in England’s Birmingham City. Alex Rodriguez became a co-owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Lynx in 2025, and David Beckham exercised his option to purchase an MLS expansion team in Miami after retiring from the LA Galaxy. Additional examples include Renee Montgomery’s stake in the Atlanta Dream, Magic Johnson’s involvement with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dwyane Wade’s investments in the Utah Jazz and Chicago Sky, and Mario Lemieux’s long-standing ownership of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Why it matters
Athlete ownership reshapes team governance and brings new capital and perspective to professional sports.
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