Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 10, 2024 4:34 pm GMT
Stephen Curry Sets His Sights on NBA Ownership After Retirement
As the NBA prepares for another competitive season, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry reveals his ambition to own an NBA team following his playing career. Speakings on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” the 36-year-old guard expressed admiration for current ownership models in the league, specifically citing NBA legend Michael Jordan’s successful tenure as an owner.
Curry’s Aspirations in the League
Curry’s desire to buy an NBA expansion team or a WNBA franchise is not new; he first mentioned it during an interview last year. However, his recent comments underscore the seriousness of his ambition. With the potential for NBA expansion on the horizon, Curry views ownership as a significant goal. “I’ve seen [Michael] Jordan do it,” Curry said, indicating that he is ready to follow suit. “For me, that’s definitely on the table.”
Inspired by Warriors Ownership
As he contemplates his future in team ownership, Curry’s strategy seems heavily influenced by the current ownership group of the Warriors, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. He appreciates how they treat players with the utmost respect and create a first-class experience for both players and fans. Curry noted, “I think I could do a pretty good job of helping sustain how great the NBA is right now.”
Community Connection and Team Culture
Curry’s vision for an NBA team involves not just winning but fostering a strong connection with the community. “You have to be authentic to the community as well, and the fan base that you represent,” he emphasized. This belief underscores his commitment to ensuring that any team he would own maintains a strong presence and relationship with its community, much like he has with Oakland and San Francisco during his time with the Warriors.
Playing Career Comes First
While Curry has grand ambitions for the future, he remains focused on his current role. He is entering his 16th season with the Warriors after recently signing a lucrative one-year contract extension worth $62.6 million, keeping him with the team until the end of the 2026-27 season. “I know that I have a lot more left to accomplish on the court before I move into any other role within the league,” he said. His focus remains on winning championships, further reinforcing that his playing days aren’t over just yet.
Recent Achievements and Olympic Glory
Fresh off a celebrated Olympic campaign, where he led the U.S. team to a gold medal, Curry’s focus on success has heightened. He scored significant points in crucial games, including a 36-point performance against Serbia, and capped it off with a compelling performance in the gold medal game against France. “It still hasn’t really sunk in,” Curry remarked, reflecting on the thrill of Olympic basketball. His experiences solidified a sense of camaraderie and respect with teammate LeBron James, which deepened their friendship.
Channeling Olympic Energy into the Upcoming Season
As the NBA season approaches, Curry aims to channel the energy from his Olympic experience into his performance with the Warriors. With a relatively quiet offseason for the franchise, he welcomes the challenge of proving doubters wrong. “I love the fact that people don’t think we can keep pace with some of the other teams,” he said, underlining his motivation for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: NBA Ownership Within Reach
With Curry’s determination, the possibility of him becoming an NBA owner moves closer to reality. His blend of talent, experience, and deep understanding of the game positions him well for future success beyond his playing days. Given his track record, it’s hard to bet against him succeeding in this new venture. Curry’s future in basketball ownership seems promising, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he navigates his dual ambitions of achieving greatness on and off the court.
Related Developments in NBA Ownership
In recent months, there has been growing speculation around potential expansion plans for the NBA, particularly in cities like Las Vegas and Seattle. This has opened the door for current players, including stars like Curry, to consider ownership options more seriously. With the league’s popularity continuing to soar, the demand for additional teams seems imminent.
Additionally, more players are exploring ownership opportunities, reflecting a trend where current and former athletes want to exert influence and involvement in league operations. Notable figures in the NBA, alongside Curry, have shown interest in similar trajectories as they eye post-playing careers steeped in leadership and impactful presence.
As the landscape of the NBA continues to evolve, aspiring owners will likely shape the future of the league for generations to come. For Curry, however, the immediate future remains on the court, where championships still await.
Curry’s Legacy: A Journey Continues
Stephen Curry’s journey in the NBA is still going strong, whether he’s playing basketball or working in a meeting. He has big dreams and a clear vision for his future. Curry is building a legacy that might change how we think about players who become owners in a league that values skill, love for the game, and community ties.
