Jayson Tatum has achieved significant success in his basketball career. He’s secured an NBA championship, an Olympic gold medal, and has been selected as an all-star five times.
He made history by signing a $300 million contract before this season. Now, he aims to utilize that financial gain by investing in a WNBA franchise.
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Tatum, a prominent NBA player, is reportedly part of a group looking to bring a women’s team to St. Louis, his hometown. The WNBA plans to expand to at least 16 teams by 2028, with St. Louis as one of the targeted cities.
The group is preparing a $200 million bid to obtain the next WNBA franchise, with Tatum ready to invest if the league selects St. Louis.
It is perfectly legal for an NBA player to invest in another professional sports team, as the collective bargaining agreement permits players to individually invest up to 4% in ownership.
For Tatum, this investment decision aligns well with other athletes like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry, who have shown interest in supporting the WNBA. The recent success and growth of the league, including increased television viewership and new TV deals, make it an attractive investment opportunity.
Given the WNBA’s upward trajectory, it is clear why a player of Tatum’s caliber would be interested in investing in the league.
A similar trend was observed in the NFL when Tom Brady, although not an active player like Tatum, was approved to become a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, generating significant attention.
In an era where sports have become lucrative enterprises, investing in a thriving industry like the WNBA makes strategic sense.