In today's sports world, it's not just about scoring touchdowns, sinking baskets, or hitting home runs anymore. Professional athletes are diversifying their portfolios and venturing into team ownership. With sports revenue reaching new heights, these athletes are using their financial prowess to become minority owners of various professional teams.

From Myles Garrett's recent acquisition of a stake in the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers to LeBron James' expansive ownership in baseball, hockey, soccer, and stock car racing, let's explore the exciting world of athletes turned team owners.

Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn't just a football superstar; he's also a budding sports mogul. Mahomes has invested in several Kansas City teams, including the MLB's Kansas City Royals, MLS's Sporting Kansas City, and NWSL's Kansas City Current. Moreover, he's ventured into the high-speed world of Formula 1 by joining the Alpine F1 Team as an investor.

tombrady/ Instagram | Brady has a sports nutrition and supplements brand, TB12, a sportswear line called Brady, and two production companies—Religion of Sports and 199 Productions

LeBron James

LeBron James, the NBA icon, has extended his reach far beyond the basketball court. As a partner in Fenway Sports Group, he's now part-owner of the Boston Red Sox (MLB), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), Liverpool FC (EPL), and RFK Racing (NASCAR). His investments span various sports, making him a dominant force in sports ownership.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, renowned for his basketball career, has a notable presence in sports ownership. In addition to being a minority owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, Jordan ventured into the high-speed world of NASCAR as a team owner in 2021, solidifying his status as a sports entrepreneur.

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson, a former Lakers legend, has become an influential figure in Los Angeles sports. He co-owns the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, and MLS's Los Angeles FC. Recently, he invested $240 million to purchase a share in the Washington Commanders, further cementing his role in sports ownership.

Tom Brady

Even after retiring from the NFL in 2022, Tom Brady continues to build his sports portfolio. He joined forces with Mark Davis to become a minority owner of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces and assumed the role of chairman of Birmingham City FC, an EFL Championship club. His pending stake in the Las Vegas Raiders shows that Brady's ownership ambitions know no bounds.

Serena Williams

The recently retired Serena Williams has been a trailblazer in sports ownership. Alongside her sister Venus, she's held a minority stake in the NFL's Miami Dolphins since 2009. Additionally, in 2020, Serena was part of a substantial investment group that founded Angel City FC, a new NWSL team boasting a star-studded ownership lineup.

serenawilliams/ Instagram | Serena Williams' booming business, Serena Ventures, backs a bunch of diverse companies

Kevin Durant

Basketball star Kevin Durant is deeply invested in soccer's growth in the United States. He acquired a 5% stake in the Philadelphia Union in 2020 and joined the ownership group of NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2022. Gotham FC features a lineup of prominent investors, including Durant, Sue Bird, Carli Lloyd, and Eli Manning.

Alex Rodriguez

Former MLB superstar Alex Rodriguez, along with Marc Lore, is in the process of becoming the majority owner of Minneapolis' professional basketball teams, the Timberwolves (NBA) and the Lynx (WNBA). This move followed an unsuccessful attempt to purchase the MLB's New York Mets.

Aaron Rodgers and Giannis Antetokounmpo

Even though Aaron Rodgers no longer plays in Wisconsin, he maintains a connection to the state through his minority ownership stake in the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks' biggest star, also owns part of the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), further strengthening the bond between athletes and their local teams.

David Beckham

Former English soccer star David Beckham has played a pivotal role in shaping soccer's popularity in the USA. He co-founded Inter Miami CF in 2018, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club that made headlines by signing Lionel Messi in 2023, underscoring Beckham's commitment to American soccer.

Dwayne Wade

NBA Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade entered the ownership realm in 2021 when he purchased a stake in the Utah Jazz. His partnership with new team owner Ryan Smith has solidified his presence in Salt Lake City, where he's been an active presence at Jazz games since the acquisition.

davidbeckham/ Instagram | David Beckham has an estimated net worth of US$450 million

James Harden and Oscar De La Hoya

NBA MVP James Harden and world champion boxer Oscar De La Hoya may seem like an unlikely pairing, but both have ventured into sports ownership. Harden joined the ownership group of the MLS's Houston Dynamo in 2019, while De La Hoya has been involved since 2007.

Marshawn Lynch

Former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has become a minority owner of the Seattle Kraken (NHL), the city's newest NHL franchise. Together with musician Macklemore, Lynch joined the ownership ranks in 2022, following the Kraken's debut season.

Naomi Osaka

Japanese tennis sensation Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, ventured into sports ownership by joining the ownership group of the NWSL's North Carolina Courage in 2021. Her investment underscores her commitment to women's sports.

J.J. Watt

Shortly after retiring from the NFL, J.J. Watt and his wife, Kealia Ohai became minority owners of Burnley FC, an EPL club. With Burnley FC's promotion to the Premier League, Watt's ownership journey has taken an exciting turn.

Mario Lemieux

Mario Lemieux, a Pittsburgh Penguins legend, purchased the club in 1999 and served as its principal owner, even returning to the ice as a player. Although he sold his majority stake in 2021, Lemieux retains minority ownership in the franchise.

Steve Nash

While still playing in the NBA in 2011, Steve Nash joined a group of investors to establish the MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps FC in his native British Columbia. His continued involvement with the club has seen them qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs multiple times.

Warrick Dunn

Warrick Dunn, a 12-year NFL veteran, ventured into team ownership in 2009, purchasing a minority stake in the Atlanta Falcons, the team he once played for. His transition from running back to owner showcases the diverse paths athletes can take beyond their playing careers.