Kevin Durant and his colleagues first met with members of the Union's ownership group in DecemberNBAE/getty images
Nets F Kevin Durant has bought an ownership stake between 1-5% in the Union, and while it is unknown what Durant spent, it will "set a formal value on the franchise for the first time" since Jay Sugarman launched the MLS club in '08, according to Jonathan Tannenwald of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. Durant and colleagues from Thirty Five Ventures "met with members of the Union's ownership group in December at the team's offices" in Chester, Pa., but the meeting was "shrouded in secrecy." Sugarman has been the Union's "majority owner for its entire history." There is a "collection of seven minority owners with small stakes" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/5). It is unclear if Durant's investment in the MLS team is a personal one or through Thirty Five Ventures. It also is unclear if the Union's USL team is involved. Both the team and Thirty Five Ventures declined comment. Durant in the past has reportedly tried to buy a minority stake twice in DC United. Durant is not alone in his soccer interest. Rockets G James Harden joined the ownership group of the Dynamo, NWSL Houston Dash and BBVA Stadium last July. Sources with knowledge said Harden invested $15M in a deal that valued the organization at around $425M. In other words, he acquired roughly a 3.5% stake (Mark J. Burns, THE DAILY).
