Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant has had plenty of time to explore business opportunities as he continues to rehab a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during last year's NBA Finals.
It appears Kevin Durant has found his next venture: professional soccer.
Kevin Durant has reportedly bought a minority stake in the Philadelphia Union of the MLS after previously discussing an ownership role with the club in December (via Mark J. Burns of Sports Business Daily):
Nets F Kevin Durant has purchased a minority stake in the Union, between 1% and 5%. It’s unclear if Durant’s investment in the MLS team is a personal one or through Thirty Five Ventures, a business he co-founded with partner Rich Kleiman. It’s also unclear if the Union’s USL team is involved. Both the team and Thirty Five Ventures declined comment. In December, the Union confirmed a meeting with Thirty Five Ventures after pictures surfaced online of Durant with team officials. Durant in the past has reportedly tried to buy a minority stake twice in DC United.
Kevin Durant's love for soccer has been less publicized than NBA contemporaries such as Steve Nash or the late Kobe Bryant, but he clearly has a love for the sport and embraces the potential of MLS.
On the basketball front, speculation continues to surround the status of Kevin Durant as the Nets prepare to head to Orlando for the resumption of play.
The NBA's board of governors approved a plan that will send 22 of the league's 30 teams to Orlando for an eight-game conclusion to the regular season, followed by a slightly modified 16-team playoff.
As reported in Newsday, Kevin Durant has been scrimmaging with teammates. But it also appears the Nets will leave the decision to KD.
In the meantime, Kevin Durant is solidifying his profile off the court, adjusting to a very uncertain sports world with a level of confidence not every investor might share. Durant is clearly willing to take some chances, at least.
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