Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns star, has invested in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with intentions linked to the possible launch of a PSG basketball team. This move aligns with broader NBA Europe expansion discussions spearheaded by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, aiming to establish professional basketball teams in Europe.
Durant’s involvement is expected to extend beyond investment, as he is slated to act as a consultant on PSG’s potential entry into basketball, further reinforcing his commitment to growing the sport in Europe.
Details of Durant’s Investment and Role with PSG
Sources Adam Crafton and Joe Vardon from The Athletic report that Durant’s recent investment grants him a direct minority ownership in PSG. This is a shift from his earlier single-digit million-dollar stake held through his Boardroom investment firm, with the current stake roughly equal in value but held personally alongside business partner Rich Kleiman.
Regarding his partnership with PSG’s majority owner, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), Durant stated,
It is an honor 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.
—Kevin Durant, NBA Player
PSG’s Success in Soccer and Potential for Basketball Expansion
PSG has been a dominant force in French soccer, capturing 11 Ligue 1 titles over the last 13 seasons, including every season for the past four years. Despite losing star forward Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid after the 2023-24 season, PSG went on to win their inaugural UEFA Champions League championship in a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, completing a continental treble.
In European sports, it is common for premier soccer clubs to oversee basketball teams under the same brand, as seen with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. PSG, however, currently lacks this link, as Paris Basketball represents the city in the EuroLeague under a separate name.
NBA Europe Initiative and Implications for PSG Basketball
The NBA is actively developing NBA Europe, a professional basketball league planned to feature new franchises, possibly incorporating existing EuroLeague clubs. This strategy, endorsed by Commissioner Adam Silver, was shared with the NBA Board of Governors earlier this year and could reshape basketball’s landscape across Europe.
EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas has publicly indicated openness to collaboration, saying,
It is becoming more obvious that we have to work together.
—Paulius Motiejunas, EuroLeague CEO
Should PSG proceed with a basketball team, questions remain about the future of Paris Basketball and EuroLeague amid the emergence of NBA Europe.
Durant’s Basketball Legacy Bolsters PSG’s Ambitions
Durant brings significant prestige to PSG’s basketball prospects. His NBA career includes 15 All-Star appearances, four scoring titles, two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and the distinction of being the league’s eighth-leading scorer historically.
His deeper involvement with PSG is expected to strengthen the club’s position across both soccer and basketball, potentially bridging the two sports as PSG explores its growth and investment plans under QSI’s leadership.