Kevin Durant’s Investment in Paris Saint-Germain
Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion, has taken his collaboration with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) a step further by investing directly in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning UEFA Champions League champions. This investment solidifies his role as a shareholder and includes plans for Durant to advise on the club’s aspirations to venture into basketball.
NBA Europe Initiative
Earlier this year, QSI hinted at their interest in launching a basketball team in Paris amid discussions surrounding the NBA’s possible expansion into Europe, dubbed “NBA Europe”. Led by commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA has been developing strategies to establish a new professional basketball league in Europe, with ambitions to include 16 franchises in key cities like London and Paris, potentially enticing teams from the EuroLeague as well. Recent statements from NBA and EuroLeague officials suggest collaboration could be on the horizon, with EuroLeague’s CEO acknowledging the need for both leagues to work together.
Currently, PSG is assessing its basketball ambitions as part of this NBA Europe initiative, especially as they already host a EuroLeague basketball team. While QSI and other investors await the NBA’s next steps regarding European franchises, it’s unclear if NBA Europe will compete with EuroLeague or possibly forge a partnership.
Durant’s Role and Future Prospects
Durant’s investment in PSG, which was previously a minor stake managed through his firm Boardroom, was structured through a financial vehicle crafted by Arctos Sports Partners, who had acquired a 12.5 percent share of PSG last December. This recent agreement allows Durant to exit the stake managed through Arctos, facilitating a direct minority investment via Boardroom. The exact monetary details of this recent investment have not been disclosed, but the overall value remains comparable to his previous stake, reflecting the significance of his involvement as a high-profile athlete rather than purely financial worth.
“It is an honour to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain — a club and a city that is so close to my heart. This club has big plans ahead, and I can’t wait to be a part of the next phase of growth, and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.”
The partnership also includes a strategic component where Boardroom and QSI will collaborate on various initiatives spanning commercial development, investment, and media content. Durant will directly consult on PSG’s multi-sport strategy, particularly its aspirations in basketball. QSI’s chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, expressed excitement to have Durant as a strategic partner, indicating that this collaboration could enhance PSG’s global presence and further elevate the club’s ambitions.
Future Developments
In a move toward diversification, PSG has recently indicated their interest in developing a new stadium to replace their current venue at Parc des Princes. The club is exploring sites in Massy and Poissy for a modern facility that offers state-of-the-art sports and entertainment features, aspiring to create a destination that mirrors the success of venues like SoFi Stadium in California.
Paris has long been considered a lucrative market for basketball, and these developments are poised to make PSG a key player in the realm of European basketball. If the NBA were to launch with Durant involved, it could usher in a new era for professional basketball in the city, enriching its sports culture amid existing competition from local teams like Paris Basketball.
At 36, Durant continues to look forward to his NBA career, with ambitions to sign a two-year extension and play for years to come. As the NBA Europe project takes shape, the potential for Durant to play a significant role is an exciting prospect, sparking conversations about the future of basketball in Paris.
Ultimately, whether Durant will play for PSG’s basketball franchise is still uncertain, but his name alone could significantly attract attention to any future competitions in the region.
