In the realm of professional sports, the transition from player to executive is a journey taken by many athletes, yet few do it with the foresight and industry insight of Steph Curry. As a four-time NBA Champion and ten-time All-Star, Curry is well aware of the uniqueness of his position within the league. Recently, during an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” he openly discussed his aspirations for life after basketball. This transparency about future ambitions is commendable, marking him not only as an exceptional player but also as a forward-thinking individual.
Curry’s ambitions are notably diverse, extending beyond the basketball court into entrepreneurship. He has established a media company, Unanimous Media, and initiated a youth golf tour, Underrated, showcasing his innovative spirit and commitment to uplifting others in sports. These ventures reflect an understanding of the market forces at play and highlight his interests in cultivating sports culture beyond just basketball.
Among his most intriguing aspirations is his desire for NBA team ownership. The idea of owning a franchise is a natural progression for high-caliber athletes like Curry who have spent years engaging with the nuances of the NBA. His evidentiary appreciation for the operational side of basketball is particularly drawn from observing the Golden State Warriors’ management under Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. Their commitment to providing a first-class experience for players is an approach Curry admires, and it fuels his own ambition to one day replicate that model as an owner.
Curry’s interest in ownership is bolstered by the NBA’s potential expansion in the coming years. With the league’s lucrative new media deal—estimated at $77 billion over 11 years—expected to catalyze growth, the prospect of team ownership becomes increasingly attractive. Remarkably, he isn’t the only superstar eyeing this opportunity; LeBron James has similarly expressed interest in owning a franchise, particularly with the excitement surrounding the potential for a team in Las Vegas. This convergence of elite players entering ownership roles marks a seismic shift in how the league envisions its future.
Despite his forward-thinking mindset, Curry remains focused on his current obligations as a player. With a freshly signed one-year contract extension worth $62.6 million, keeping him with the Warriors through 2027, he is clear that his primary focus is still on NBA excellence. “I know I have a lot more to accomplish on the court,” he noted, reinforcing the notion that ambition doesn’t detract from present dedication.
As Curry strives to leave a lasting legacy both on and off the court, he serves as an extraordinary example of an athlete who sees the bigger picture. His blend of ambition, business acumen, and love for basketball ensures that he will continue to influence the NBA long after he retires from playing. Whether through ownership or other ventures, Curry’s vision extends far beyond his illustrious playing career, pointing to a future filled with opportunities and continued contributions to the world of sports.