Golden State Warriors Point Guard “Definitely Curious” About Owning a Franchise from Either League.

Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry has recently expressed a significant interest in becoming an owner of a franchise, either within the NBA or the WNBA. Known for his transformative impact on the court, Curry’s curiosity about team ownership marks a new chapter in his illustrious career, highlighting his ambition to extend his influence beyond playing and into the realms of sports management and team ownership.

The NBA, where Curry has made his name, is currently exploring expansion opportunities, particularly in cities like Las Vegas and Seattle. This potential expansion is fueled by the league’s recent landmark domestic media rights deal, a colossal $76 billion agreement with Amazon, ESPN, and NBC that runs for 11 years. With such substantial financial backing and growing media interest, the league is keen on broadening its reach and capitalizing on new markets. International cities such as Mexico City and Vancouver are also under consideration, reflecting the NBA’s desire to tap into global fanbases and further enhance its international presence.

In a recent interview at the Bloomberg Power Players event in New York, Steph Curry was directly asked about his interest in purchasing an NBA expansion team. His response was enthusiastic and unequivocal. “For sure,” Curry said, clearly signaling his keen interest in potentially owning a piece of the NBA’s future. He elaborated that he would be closely monitoring the expansion process and how it unfolds. This indicates not only a personal interest but also a proactive approach in understanding the intricacies involved in such a significant investment.

Curry’s interest isn’t confined solely to the NBA. The WNBA, which has seen substantial growth and increasing visibility, is also on his radar. The league has ambitious plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028, with Portland set to be awarded a new franchise soon. This expansion represents an exciting opportunity for prospective owners and investors. Curry has shown a “definite curiosity” about ownership in the WNBA, reflecting his broader interest in supporting and investing in women’s professional basketball.

However, pursuing ownership in the NBA presents a unique challenge for Curry. As an active player, he faces restrictions on how much ownership he can hold. To be part of an ownership group with a controlling interest in an NBA team, Curry would need to retire. His current contract with the Warriors extends until 2027, making any immediate ownership ambitions contingent on his future decisions regarding his playing career. Additionally, the financial barrier for such an investment is substantial. Expansion fees for NBA teams could reach as high as $4 billion, a figure that underscores the financial scale of such an endeavor.

In contrast, the WNBA offers more flexibility for current players. An active WNBA player can hold up to four percent ownership of a franchise that is not controlled by an NBA club. This structure allows Curry to be involved in the ownership of a WNBA team even while he remains an active player in the NBA, providing a potential avenue for him to begin his journey into sports ownership sooner.

Curry’s interest in team ownership is not just about financial investment but also about contributing to the growth and development of basketball at both the NBA and WNBA levels. His involvement would bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game, given his unparalleled success and insight as one of the greatest players in NBA history. His potential ownership could also be a game-changer for the leagues, given his influence and the positive impact he could bring to franchise operations and community engagement.

As Steph Curry considers these opportunities, the landscape of both leagues is evolving. The NBA’s expansion into new markets and the WNBA’s efforts to grow and enhance its presence represent significant shifts in professional basketball. Curry’s involvement in either league could help shape the future of basketball, aligning with his legacy as a transformative player and leader both on and off the court.

However, Steph Curry’s expressed interest in buying an NBA or WNBA team reflects his ambition to extend his impact beyond his playing career. While owning an NBA team would require him to retire and face high expansion fees, his curiosity and proactive stance indicate a strong desire to be involved in shaping the future of professional basketball. Meanwhile, the more accessible opportunity of owning a stake in a WNBA franchise while still active as a player offers a feasible path for Curry to begin his journey into sports ownership, potentially influencing the growth and development of women’s professional basketball.