Kevin Durant Backs Champions League Champions in Bold Basketball Expansion Move
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has made a financial investment in Paris Saint-Germain as part of an ambitious plan that could lead the Champions League victors to expand into basketball operations.
The NBA forward initially collaborated with PSG in August 2024, and the two organizations recently launched an exclusive merchandise line featuring a specially designed Nike Air Force 1 Low, team jacket, and basketball.
The collaboration between Durant and PSG has now escalated to a new phase, with the 36-year-old signing a deal with Qatar Sports Investments to acquire direct ownership stakes in the football club via his business entity, Boardroom.
Durant will contribute to PSG's strategic expansion plans in the United States market and will serve as an advisor for the European champions as they investigate potential entry into basketball operations.
"I am honored to collaborate with QSI and become an owner in Paris Saint-Germain—an organization and city that holds special meaning for me," Durant expressed in an official statement. "This organization has ambitious goals moving forward, and I am excited to contribute to the upcoming growth phase while exploring fresh investment possibilities with QSI."
QSI and PSG chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi stated: "QSI is delighted to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct owner in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic ally of our organization.
"We consistently strive to enhance the club and our wider portfolio through impactful collaborations that deliver strategic benefits, innovation, and international insights. Alongside Kevin, we anticipate developing bold projects that will fuel the ongoing worldwide expansion of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI."
QSI acknowledged exploring the potential creation of a basketball team earlier this year, with NBA commissioner Adam Silver advancing a concept called 'NBA Europe'—a competitor to the established EuroLeague, where French talents including Nicolas Batum, Zaccharie Risacher, and Paris native Victor Wembanyama all developed their skills before transitioning to the NBA.