The International Tennis Federation is shaking up one of its most iconic tournaments with the Davis Cup undergoing a huge facelift with the Kosmos Investment Group behind the switch. One of the people behind that group, is the captain of FC Barcelona, Gerard Pique. With this investment, Pique joins a long list of celebrities and athletes who have opted to use some of their playing windfall to invest in a sports team or league. Of course for many of these investors, they have only been able to acquire a minority share in these clubs, or been a part of a bigger group but it does go to show how much of a draw owning a sports team is to some people.
PFT Commenter, Big Cat & Henry Lockwood – New Zealand Breakers
Another set of recent additions to this list, the internet personalities from the Pardon My Take Podcast on Barstool Sports are a part of the new ownership group of the NBL side. They have big plans for the team although their status as minority owners might prevent them from enacting some of those strategies. Although you cannot accuse them of just sitting back and collecting a cheque, their loyal following will grow the Breakers international audience going forward.
Russell Crowe – South Sydney Rabbitohs
One of Australia’s most famous celebrity owners, Russell Crowe took over 75% of the Rabbitohs in 2006 with Peter Holmes a Court with the stake split between the two partners. Crowe himself still owns 37.5% of the team and is a regular feature at their NRL games, although supporting a club as an owner has different challenges to being a fan.
Anthony LaPaglia – Sydney FC
At the height of his Without a Trace fame, LaPaglia was a minor investor in the early stages of the A-League with Sydney FC. After all, as the self-anointed glamour club of the new Australian football, why not have a Hollywood star involved. As a goalkeeper from the NSL, LaPaglia even took part in some training sessions during his visits, putting his skills to good use. LaPaglia’s association with the club ended in 2008 when Russian businessman David Traktovenko took over.
Elton John – Watford
Much like Russell Crowe, Elton John turned his passion into an ownership with his local football club, Watford FC. In 1976, he became the club’s chairman and director and guided them to a second place finish in the old First Division in 1983 and an FA Cup Final appearance in 1984. Between 1987 and 1997, he served only as the president of the club having sold his share but bought it back in 1997. Despite stepping down in 2002, John remains a minority investor and safe to say the club are still big fans of him as well, naming a stand after him in 2014.
A Lot of People – Miami Dolphins
Another team that tries to market itself on the glamour of its locale, the Miami Dolphins ownership group is made up of plenty of famous faces. While majority owner Stephen Ross controls the team (& takes most of the blame), he has brought in many big names. Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Marc Anthony, Venus and Serena Williams as well as signer Fergie are all listed as minority shareholders in the team.
Jay-Z – Brooklyn Nets
On top of a successful music career, Jay Z has been busy with his investments which included buying a miniscule stake in the Brooklyn Nets (approximately 0.067%). After playing a big role in the Nets moving to Brooklyn, and changing their name from New Jersey to Brooklyn, he eventually sold his stake in the side to then coach Jason Kidd in order to become a certified sports agent.
Justin Timberlake – Memphis Grizzlies
Back in 2012, Timberlake followed in the footsteps of Jay-Z buying a stake in his local NBA team. That star power was put to use in 2016 when Timberlake was used in an attempt to recruit free agent Mike Conley to the team.
Michael Jordan – Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets
When the greatest basketball player of all time is done playing on the court, the only natural progression is to move into the front office. Jordan became the first ex-player to become a majority owner of a team in league history when he acquired the franchise from his home state in 2010. Of course, that competitive fire is still there for Jordan and he still wants to get out and get involved with practice.
Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley – LA Kiss
Not all celebrity ownerships work out well and the foray of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from the band Kiss into the Arena Football League is an example of that. In 2013 it was announced that they had purchased a share in the AFL expansion franchise. It was everything you would expect from a team owned by rock stars with music and pyrotechnics given equal billing to the action on the field. In 2016 after the team’s first playoff appearance, the band pulled their support of the side and it eventually folded.
Jon Bon Jovi – Philadelphia Soul
In the early days of the franchise’s existence, rock star Jon Bon Jovi was one of the majority owners of the Philadelphia Soul. This group was in charge until the league suspended operations in 2009 and was reformed in 2011 without Bon Jovi, who unsuccessfully tried to buy Buffalo Bills in 2011. Until he can find a way back into sports ownership, he will have to settle for being a VIP guest of the New England Patriots
Magic Johnson – LA Dodgers
When Frank McCourt was stripped of the LA Dodgers franchise in 2011 due to concerns over the ability to financially support the team, LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson was a part of a group eventually installed as new owners. A fixture in the Los Angeles sports scene after nearly two decades with the NBA side, he has built a solid business portfolio and is involved with several local franchises now.
Will Ferrell – LAFC
As the MLS in America expands, comedian Will Ferrell is one of the celebrities behind Los Angeles’s newest team, LAFC. After convincing people that his involvement in the side was not a joke and he was serious about the team, he has been at the forefront as the club looks to establish a foothold in the marketplace ahead of its launch. Of course making Clive Palmer-esque predictions might put a bit of a target on the back of his players.
Drew Carey – Seattle Sounders
Perhaps the most famous American soccer fan there is, Drew Carey has an undeniable passion for the World Game. Known as the guy from The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line is it Anyway? Carey has a share (along with three others) in the MLS Franchise and two time defending champion Sounders.