NBA star Kevin Durant invests in PSG, to consult on ‘potential' basketball expansion plans
Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant has expanded his relationship with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), investing directly into UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain as part of a strategic partnership that will also see Durant consult on the club's 'potential plans' to expand into basketball.
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In March, QSI revealed it had been approached about the possibility of launching a basketball franchise in Paris and that it had expressed an interest. The approach related to the NBA's potential expansion into Europe, under the moniker NBA Europe, and plans that have been developed under the leadership of commissioner Adam Silver.
The Athletic reported in March that Silver would pitch the NBA Board of Governors with the outline of a plan to launch a new pro basketball league in Europe within the next couple of years. The prospective league had been hoping to attract 16 teams, which would include franchises in markets such as London and Paris, as well as possible defectors from the EuroLeague. Since then, there have been indications from NBA and EuroLeague executives that there may be a way to collaborate. EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas conceded to The Athletic that 'it is becoming more obvious that we have to work together', while NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said the NBA intends to be the 'operator' of 'the top tier league in Europe.'
Sources familiar with the planning, who wished to remain anonymous to protect relationships, confirmed PSG's ambitions in basketball relate to NBA Europe and indicated that it would be for the NBA and EuroLeague to thrash out what happens in Paris, where there is already a Paris team playing in EuroLeague.
QSI, along with other major sports investors, are waiting for the NBA to launch its process for franchises in Europe. It remains to be seen whether NBA Europe will be a competitor or if some form of partnership with EuroLeague may develop.
Durant's direct investment in PSG is a slightly convoluted affair. The 36-year-old had previously invested a single-digit million shareholding in the team, according to sources briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly. This was made via his investment firm Boardroom, but this injection came via a financial vehicle created by the private equity firm Arctos Sports Partners.
Arctos itself had purchased a 12.5 percent stake in the French team in December 2023, a deal which at the time valued PSG at around €4.25billion ($4.58bn; £3.64bn, currency figures based on the rates when the deal was announced).
This latest deal, however, sees Durant exit the stake acquired via Arctos, with his exit taken up via other money from the fund, which means Arctos has not diluted and its stake remains at around 12.5 percent.
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Durant has now taken a direct minority stake in PSG through Boardroom in tandem with his business partner and former long-time agent Rich Kleiman. The size of his investment is roughly the same as previously, but PSG is not disclosing the precise sum. In these partnerships, the access to the famous athlete and their connections, clout and expertise is, in any case, more valuable to the Qatari fund, which is not short of money.
Durant, whose fourth Olympic gold medal came last year in Paris, said in a release: 'It is an honour to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain — a club and a city that is so close to my heart. This club has big plans ahead and I can't wait to be a part of the next phase of growth; and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.'
The stake, however, is just one aspect of the deal as PSG and Boardroom have also signed a strategic investment partnership.
This means Boardroom and QSI will team up on commercial, investment and media content initiatives, as well as advising on PSG's growth in the U.S., while the parties will also develop merchandise together. Most crucially, perhaps, Durant will consult 'on Paris Saint-Germain's multi-sport strategy, including potential plans in basketball,' the release said, opening the door to Durant leading the way on NBA Europe's launch plans.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, added: 'QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our group. We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.'
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PSG's multi-sport empire already includes men's and women's soccer, youth soccer, handball and judo. Basketball will add to the set.
PSG recently announced it is looking at fresh sites to build a new stadium away from their current home at Parc des Princes. The team is studying sites in Massy and Poissy and is examining a modern construct that will feature state-of-the-art sports and entertainment options. The club wants its stadium to be part of a multi-functional area and a destination.
The team's CEO, Victoriano Melero, told Reuters last week that PSG may take inspiration from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca., which is a $5billion home to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, while it has hosted headline concerts for superstars such as Taylor Swift. It will also host eight matches during the World Cup in 2026 and events in the Olympic Games in 2028, but PSG have noted how the area has become a sports, entertainment and residential hub in Hollywood Park. The LA Clippers play at the Intuit Dome, a newly opened NBA arena a mile from the stadium.
Analysis by senior NBA writer Joe Vardon
Paris has always been a coveted market and center to any designs Silver has of starting a new league in Europe. This is no secret, nor is it a secret that the NBA's intended partner there is PSG because of the enormous financial and marketing power of the soccer conglomerate.
PSG and its Qatari owners don't need Durant's money, nor, really, even his media company. But they are likely going to build a new arena — Durant could consult. As the league comes online, they'll need a practice facility and coaches, where perhaps Durant could weigh in.
Imagine if Durant… played for PSG basketball.
At age 36, Durant, who wants to continue playing, can sign a two-year extension this summer (presumably after he's traded by the Phoenix Suns). Silver has suggested it could take a few years to bring NBA Europe online. What if the league launched with Durant as its signature player? Don't rule it out — I have had prominent NBA coaches tell me they'd love to live and coach in Paris once their contracts run out.
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Otherwise, Durant as a name partner with PSG could, conceivably, help in a likely competition for fans with the current Parisian pro team, Paris Basketball, which competes in the EuroLeague and top French pro league, has a new arena, and also holds near exclusivity for games at Paris' largest arena, Bercy.
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