Kevin Durant Invests in Paris Saint-Germain: A New Chapter in Sports Collaboration
Kevin Durant, the two-time NBA champion and current forward for the Phoenix Suns, has made headlines as the latest American sports icon to dive into the world of European soccer. According to a report from The Athletic, Durant has acquired a minority stake in the prestigious French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This investment was facilitated through his investment firm, Boardroom, which purchased shares via a financial entity established by Arctos Sports Partners, a firm that has previously invested in PSG.
Durant’s recent visit to Paris coincided with the Olympic Games, where he celebrated securing his fourth gold medal. Accompanied by his long-time business partner, Rich Kleiman—who co-founded Boardroom—Durant toured PSG’s state-of-the-art training facility located in Poissy, a suburb west of the French capital. During this visit, the NBA star engaged in discussions with PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, about the potential collaboration.
Understanding PSG and Boardroom
Paris Saint-Germain is recognized as one of the most prominent football clubs in Europe, excelling in both men’s and women’s competitions. The men’s team holds the title of the most successful football club in France, boasting an impressive collection of 12 domestic league titles—more than any other team in the country—and they are the reigning champions. Since being acquired by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011 for €70 million, PSG has evolved into a dominant force in the soccer world, amassing 32 trophies and attracting global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The club has also cultivated a substantial global brand presence, with over 200 million followers across social media platforms. According to Deloitte’s Football Money League, PSG was ranked third in commercial revenue among European football clubs for the 2022-23 season. Beyond soccer, PSG has diverse sports teams, including handball, judo, and esports.
On the other hand, Boardroom is a multifaceted sports, media, and entertainment brand co-founded by Durant and Kleiman. It serves as the sister company to Boardroom Sports Holding LLC, which invests in various emerging sports teams and leagues, including PSG. Durant, 35, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, having earned 14 All-Star selections and becoming the leading U.S. scorer in Olympic men’s basketball.
Durant’s Role and Influence at PSG
Through this investment, Durant has become a minority shareholder via Boardroom Sports Holdings LLC, although he did not invest directly in PSG. His stake is part of Arctos Sports Partners, which acquired 12.5% of PSG last year, valuing the club at €4.25 billion (£3.64 billion, $4.58 billion). While the exact amount of Durant’s investment remains undisclosed, sources indicate it is in the “single-digit millions” range in U.S. dollars.
This is not Durant’s first foray into sports investments. In 2020, he purchased a 5% ownership stake in MLS club Philadelphia Union, with an option to acquire an additional 5%. In 2022, he became a minority owner of NY/NJ Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League and has also taken ownership in the Brooklyn Aces of Major League Pickleball, among other ventures with Kleiman, his business partner and co-founder of Boardroom.
The Motivation Behind the Investment
This investment marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between Boardroom and PSG, focusing on aspects such as content creation and strategic development. PSG is actively seeking partnerships to enhance and expand their brand, particularly in the United States, with major events like the Club World Cup in 2025 and the World Cup in 2026 on the horizon.
Sources within PSG believe that Durant will provide invaluable insights from a multi-sport and U.S. market perspective, which is crucial for the club’s growth strategy. This financial agreement is seen as a foundational step toward a long-term relationship, allowing Durant to contribute to the business development of PSG, extending beyond the existing influence of the majority shareholder, QSI. During his visit, Durant expressed admiration for PSG’s unique cultural positioning and commitment to women’s sports.
Reactions from PSG and Boardroom
While PSG has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Durant’s investment, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed his enthusiasm after Durant’s visit to the club’s €300 million training center. He remarked, “It was an honor to welcome Kevin Durant to the campus today and to witness his passion for Paris Saint-Germain and his recognition of the excellent sports facilities at our new PSG Campus training center. Kevin is an inspirational athlete, investor, and all-around role model, both on and off the pitch. We are extremely proud of his connection to the Paris Saint-Germain family as we share the same values and vision. We look forward to strengthening our ties and working together with Kevin and Boardroom to bring the best in sport and entertainment to fans around the world.”
In a social media post, Boardroom highlighted Durant’s recent visit, stating, “Earlier this month, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi welcomed Durant and his long-time business partner, entrepreneur Rich Kleiman, to the Paris Saint-Germain Campus to kick off the partnership with a visit to the club’s state-of-the-art training facility and education center. They witnessed firsthand how the club’s values of innovation and excellence are embodied in this new environment, where Paris Saint-Germain is nurturing the stars of tomorrow. They also spent time with Paris Saint-Germain’s professional football teams, with a particular focus on the women’s and youth academy teams—areas of strong interest for him both in terms of sport and investment. Durant and Kleiman’s sports and entertainment media network Boardroom will collaborate with Paris Saint-Germain to develop a multi-faceted partnership that spans content and strategy.”
Following the Footsteps of Other U.S. Sports Stars
Durant joins a growing list of American sports figures who have invested in soccer clubs across Europe. LeBron James became a minority shareholder of Liverpool in 2011, paving the way for others. Last year, former NFL star JJ Watt and his wife, ex-USWNT player Kealia, purchased a stake in Burnley, while Tom Brady similarly invested in Birmingham City. Atlanta Hawks forward Larry Nance Jr. is also among the co-owners of Leeds United, alongside celebrities like Russell Crowe and Will Ferrell.
Experts suggest that the passion soccer fans exhibit in Europe is a significant draw for American athletes, who perceive a different level of fervor compared to sports in the U.S. “It is also an opportunity to grow their personal brands outside the U.S.,” noted Andrew Umbers, a partner at Oakwell Sports Advisory, a London-based strategic and financial advisory firm in the sports sector.
PSG’s Existing Partnerships and Future Aspirations
PSG is not new to collaborations in the basketball realm; they have an ongoing partnership with Michael Jordan’s brand, which has been transformative for the club’s global branding efforts. Basketball enjoys considerable popularity in France, and while PSG does not currently field a basketball team, there is speculation about the potential for establishing one in the future.
The club’s immediate focus will be on constructing a new stadium, envisioned as a multi-sport and multi-purpose venue. Currently, PSG’s revenues are limited due to low television rights deals in France and the restricted capacity at their home ground, Parc des Princes. This new stadium is seen as a crucial step in the club’s growth strategy, particularly with the backing of new investors like Arctos.
In conclusion, Kevin Durant’s investment in PSG not only signifies a personal milestone in his sports investment journey but also opens a new chapter for PSG as they seek to expand their brand influence in the U.S. and beyond. With the promise of collaborative efforts between Boardroom and PSG, the future looks bright for both Durant and the iconic French club.
