Basketball star Carmelo Anthony has announced his expansion into the world of team ownership. He has partnered with Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) to become a member of the ownership group of a future expansion team. Additionally, Anthony will serve as a global ambassador for the NBL’s Next Stars program, which is designed to help young basketball players develop their skills and reach their full potential.
The specific details of the deal, such as the financial terms and the location of the expansion team Anthony will own, have not been disclosed. However, the NBL has considered adding a franchise in Southeast Asia as well as domestically in cities like Gold Coast or Sydney, where a team would compete with the Sydney Kings.
In addition to his new role as a team owner, Anthony has been focusing on his entrepreneurial ventures. Last year, he launched a private equity firm called Isos7 Growth Equity and recently started a cannabis-focused agency called Grand National. Now, he will also be promoting the top men’s basketball league in Australia.
Anthony joins a long list of former and current NBA players who have invested in NBL teams, including Khris Middleton, John Wall, and Andrew Bogut. The NBL’s Next Stars program has become a pathway for top prospects looking to reach the NBA, with players like LaMelo Ball benefiting from the initiative.
The NBL’s Next Stars program has produced talent like Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey and Ousmane Dieng, both drafted in the first round. The program will continue to showcase international talent, with French star Alex Sarr expected to go first overall in the upcoming NBA draft.
With Anthony’s involvement as a team owner and global ambassador
