Kevin Durant Nears Billionaire Status with Expansive Business Empire
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is poised to join the elite ranks of billionaire athletes, following in the footsteps of Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods. With nearly $400 million in career earnings and lucrative endorsement deals, Durant has leveraged his NBA fortune to build an extensive business empire.
Durant’s endorsement portfolio includes a rare lifetime deal with Nike, signed in 2021, following a remarkable 10-year, $300 million agreement in 2014. His sponsorship deals encompass brands such as Google, Alaska Air Group, Beats by Dre, American Family Insurance, BBVA, Sparkling Ice, Panini, NBA 2K, Gatorade, Sonic Drive-in, Skullcandy, and Sprint.
Beyond his on-court success, Durant immersed himself in the technology investment space during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors. He founded Thirty Five Ventures in 2016 alongside manager Rich Kleiman, which has since made early-stage investments in various companies and professional sports teams.
Durant’s investment portfolio includes MLS team Philadelphia Union, NWSL champions Gotham FC, Athletes Unlimited, Major League Pickleball, Premier Lacrosse League, $1.5 billion cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, Yoshi, Rubrik, Postmates, Whoop, Robinhood, and Weedmaps.
While Durant remains involved in content creation through sports and culture media firm Boardroom and basketball-related documentaries, he has shifted his focus from endorsement deals to strategic investments. His ultimate goal is to own an NBA team, citing a desire to impact cities and change lives through the ownership experience.
Durant emphasizes the importance of time and empowerment in executing his vision, stating, “There’s nothing wrong with endorsement deals, but time is the most important thing to me. When you endorse a product, a lot of your time is taken away.”
As he continues to expand his business ventures, Durant’s journey toward billionaire status solidifies his position not only as a basketball icon but also as a savvy entrepreneur shaping his legacy beyond the court.