Similar to LeBron James, Kevin Durant Once Desired to Purchase $5.6 Billion Worth NFL Franchise Before Getting Overshadowed by Magic Johnson

Superstar NBA athletes are always interested in making huge investments. LeBron James is perhaps the best example. He has turned heads after becoming a billionaire while being an active player. With the way things are going, his wealth generation within the sports domain is only accelerating.

His business empire has become something worthy of emulation. But, perhaps, he will be over the moon if he gets a big chunk of ownership in the NFL. Meanwhile, his two-time Finals nemesis Kevin Durant is also interested in such an endeavor but was recently overshadowed in his wishes by none other than Lakers legend Magic Johnson. 

Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and their desire for NFL ownership

LeBron James loves football. He loves to catch up with both the NFL and the NCAA scene. He has complimented and engaged with football players and coaches alike. Therefore, if there is an ownership aspiration, it is not surprising.

Last year, when Dan Snyder decided to sell the Washington Commanders, it generated a huge interest. The franchise is currently worth $5.6 billion which explains the buzz.

In this vein, at the beginning of 2022-23, journalist Dan Woike asked LeBron James if there was interest in NFL ownership. The Forward replied, ”Possibly” and then grinned afterward. This sparked speculations about the Lakers superstar’s interest in owning an NFL squad. 

James has stakes in football clubs, in MLB, in pickleball, so, why not NFL? Especially when it is so close to his heart that he even expressed trying to for an NFL team during the 2011 lockout window.

Like LBJ, Kevin Durant is also heavily interested in the NFL and has rooted for Washington Commanders for a long time. He is a die-hard fan and each development interests him immensely.

Therefore, when Snyder expressed selling the team, he expressed his interest too. Talking to ESPN, he said, ”In a perfect world, I would be a part of it. I would love to do it. I would love to give a little bit of my money to be a part of the Commanders, but we’ll see. Hopefully it’s somebody nice. I heard Bezos and Jay-Z, but you never know.“

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However, before both Durant and LBJ could lay their hands on the team, Magic Johnson became a minority owner of the Washington Commanders in a consortium led by investor Josh Harris. Will Durant also see a similar share in the team?

Are the recent events hinting at a potential move?

Recently, KD was spotted alongside Joel Embiid, watching a game between the Washington Commanders and the Arizona Cardinals. The Commanders’ principal owner Josh Harris was also present. Embiid and Harris already share a relationship considering he also owns the 76ers.

KD showing up at the match might hint at something cooking there. Michael Rubin, the former minority stakeholder in the 76ers, was also there and engaged in an intense convo with the Phoenix Suns‘ forward.

Or it could just mean that Durant is catching up to the action of his favorite team. Considering the current state of the 76ers and Durant’s ownership interest, speculations can be rife. 

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