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SOCCER

Kevin Durant becomes minority owner of NWSL club Gotham

The Brooklyn Nets star joins Carli Lloyd, Phil Murphy, Ed Nalbandian, Kristin Bernat and Karen Bryant as minority stakeholders in the soccer team.

Andy Hall
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts as he leaves the game late in the fourth quarter in a 129-110 win over the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==
Harry HowAFP

With the aim of continuing contributing to the growth of the NWSL in the United States, NJ/NY Gotham FC formally announced the incorporation of NBA star Kevin Durant as a minority owner of the club. Along with the Brooklyn Nets star, his business partner Rich Kleiman will also be part of the group of owners of the women’s soccer team. The news comes after USWNT soccer legend Carli Lloyd, a New Jersey native and Rutgers University alumna, signed up as a minority shareholder at the end of last month. “As my home club, Gotham FC has always been close to my heart,” Lloyd explained. “It’s an honor to begin this new chapter of my soccer career surrounded by people who are committed to making this the best club and league in the world. I look forward to working with Yael Averbuch West, Andrea Pagnanelli, and my fellow owners to continue this organization’s impressive transformation.”

NJ Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy are the majority stake holders at Gotham while Phil Murphy, Ed Nalbandian, Kristin Bernat and Karen Bryant have a minority stake. Durant recognized the growth that women’s sport has had in the United States and affirmed that his company Thirty Five Ventures (35V) can contribute to the growth of the NWSL franchise. “We are focused on continuing to make our mark in women’s sports, which has been a business priority for 35V for some time. Gotham FC is a New York area team with a lot of talent on and off the field and our team has a lot of potential to help them grow. With increased investment, the audience for women’s soccer has grown a lot in recent years and that’s something we’re excited to be a part of.”

Kleiman added, “As a New York-based company, the opportunity for us to partner with a forward-thinking team like Gotham FC was a no brainer. There’s been so much growth in the NWSL in recent years, and the chance to be a part of that growth and work directly with the Gotham FC executive team and players is really exciting,”

Durant follows in the footsteps of LeBron James by venturing as a shareholder into the world of football - the Lakers star holds a 2% stake in Liverpool which is now valued at over $45 million.