Steph Curry Eyes NBA Ownership as He Plans for Life Beyond Basketball

Four-time NBA Champion Steph Curry, one of basketball’s most iconic figures, is already planning for life after his illustrious playing career. At 36, the Golden State Warriors star is not only focused on adding to his on-court achievements but is also building a diverse portfolio off the court, with an eye toward one day owning an NBA team.

In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk on the Street on Tuesday, Curry discussed his future, emphasizing that while he still has plenty left to accomplish as a player, team ownership is firmly on his radar. 

“For me, that’s definitely on the table,” said Curry. “I think I could do a pretty good job of helping sustain how great the NBA is right now and what it takes to run a championship organization.”

Curry’s interest in ownership is shared by many former players who, after long careers on the court, look to stay involved in the game at an executive level. He pointed to former NBA superstar Michael Jordan, who was the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets for over a decade, as a prime example of player-turned-owner. Seeing Jordan’s success, as well as the possibility of NBA expansion in the coming years, has piqued Curry’s curiosity.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has hinted at league expansion, which could open up new opportunities for potential ownership. In July 2024, the NBA signed a groundbreaking 11-year media deal worth $77 billion, a significant factor in driving conversations about future growth. 

Expansion cities like Las Vegas and Seattle are often mentioned as likely destinations for new franchises, with Curry’s longtime rival and fellow NBA legend LeBron James also expressing interest in owning a potential Las Vegas team.

While team ownership is an appealing prospect, Curry emphasized that he remains fully committed to his playing career. Fresh off leading Team USA to an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games, Curry recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Warriors worth $62.6 million, securing his place with the franchise through 2027. 

By the time that deal expires, Curry will be 39, but he made it clear that his focus remains on adding to his legacy on the court before transitioning into new roles.

“I know I have a lot more to accomplish on the court before I move into other roles in the league,” Curry said, signaling that retirement is still a few years away. His list of accomplishments is already staggering: a four-time NBA champion, two-time league MVP, 10-time All-Star, and widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history. But Curry’s drive for success suggests there is more to come.

Beyond basketball, Curry has ventured into several successful business endeavours. His media company, Unanimous Media, focuses on uplifting and inspiring content, while his youth golf tour, Underrated, aims to provide opportunities to underrepresented golfers. These initiatives reflect Curry’s broader vision of empowering others and making a positive impact beyond sports.

As someone with deep knowledge of how successful sports organizations operate, Curry credits the Golden State Warriors’ ownership group, led by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, for setting the standard. Their investment in creating a first-class environment for players has not only resulted in four championships but has also inspired Curry to think about what it takes to run a world-class organization.

“The investment that it takes to create that first-class experience so we feel taken care of allows us to hoop at a high level,” Curry remarked, highlighting the importance of building a culture where players thrive both personally and professionally.

With the NBA set for a future that could include expansion and further globalization, Curry’s potential foray into team ownership could be a perfect fit. His experience, business acumen, and deep understanding of the sport makes him well-positioned to take on such a role when the time comes.

For now, though, Steph Curry remains focused on his NBA career. As he continues to dazzle on the court, his growing portfolio of business ventures and ambitions in team ownership ensure that his impact on the game will extend long after he hangs up his jersey.