NBA star Kevin Durant, recently traded to the Houston Rockets, has entered a new strategic partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), the owners of UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Through his firm Boardroom, co-founded with Rich Kleiman, Durant has acquired a direct minority stake in the French club. Though financial details were not disclosed, the deal marks a significant step in PSG’s broader multi-sport ambitions.
Durant previously held an indirect stake in PSG via Arctos Sports Partners, which acquired 12.5% of the club in December 2023, valuing PSG at over €4 billion (US$4.6 billion). His new investment will see him exit that stake, though Arctos will retain its full holding.
“This club has big plans ahead, and I’m excited to be part of the next phase of growth,” said Durant. “It’s an honour to partner with QSI and explore future investment opportunities.”
Beyond PSG, Durant has a growing sports investment portfolio that includes stakes in MLS side Philadelphia Union, NWSL’s Gotham FC, The Snow League, Athletes Unlimited, and TMRW Sports—the golf venture co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
As part of the agreement, Boardroom and QSI will collaborate on content production, commercial strategies, and merchandise development. Durant will also advise on PSG’s U.S. expansion and global growth, especially as the club pursues new ventures in basketball.
QSI confirmed that Durant will contribute to its multi-sport strategy, which includes active discussions around launching a basketball team in Paris. QSI has expressed interest in the NBA’s proposed 16-team European league, expected to integrate into the continent’s existing basketball ecosystem. Franchise prices could exceed US$500 million in top cities like Paris and London.
The NBA’s plans have faced pushback from EuroLeague, Europe’s top club competition, over concerns about market fragmentation. However, recent comments from EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas suggest a willingness to collaborate. NBA EME head George Aivazoglou has also indicated the league is open to partnerships with existing European basketball stakeholders.
QSI Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said the deal with Durant brings “strategic value, innovation, and global perspective” to PSG and the QSI portfolio. “Together with Kevin, we look forward to launching high-impact initiatives that will drive continued global growth.”
Source: SportsPro
