With stake in South East Melbourne Phoenix, Wall joins trend of NBAers investing in NBLNBAE/Getty Images
Wizards G John Wall is the latest NBA player to join the ownership group of the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Australia’s NBL, and it is a “major boost for the long-term financial security of both the Phoenix and the NBL as a competition,” according to Matt Logue of the MELBOURNE HERALD SUN. Wall joins Cavaliers G Dante Exum and former NBAers Zach Randolph, Josh Childress and Al Harrington in the team’s ownership group. The club’s majority owner is Romie Chaudhari. Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said the “direction of the NBL and Australian basketball globally was a significant factor” behind Wall's investment (MELBOURNE HERALD SUN, 11/25). The AAP's Murray Wenzel noted Wall's investment in the Phoenix comes after Pacers G Victor Oladipo last week invested in the New Zealand Breakers. Additionally, former NBAer Kevin Martin is a co-owner of the Brisbane Bullets, while Hornets G LaMelo Ball “bid to take over the Illawarra Hawks following his 12-game stint at the club last season, before the NBL handed the keys to a consortium that features long-time NBA executive Bryan Colangelo” (AAP, 11/24).
