Nets F Kevin Durant has purchased a minority stake in the Union, between 1% and 5%, according to a source. It’s unclear if Durant’s investment in the MLS team is a personal one or through Thirty Five Ventures, a business he co-founded with partner Rich Kleiman. It’s also unclear if the Union’s USL team is involved. Both the team and Thirty Five Ventures declined comment. In December, the Union confirmed a meeting with Thirty Five Ventures after pictures surfaced online of Durant with team officials.
Durant in the past has reportedly tried to buy a minority stake twice in DC United. He 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 said Harden invested $15M in a deal that valued the organization at around $425M. In other words, he acquired roughly a 3.5% stake. Other MLS celebrity owners include actors Matthew McConaughey (Austin FC) and Will Ferrell (LAFC) as well as Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and wife/singer Ciara (Sounders).
