Kevin Durant has taken a direct minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain and will consult on the club's basketball expansion plans. The investment comes as PSG explores launching a basketball franchise under the NBA's proposed European league.
Durant restructured his previous PSG investment through Arctos Sports Partners to become a direct shareholder via his Boardroom company. Durant will advise on PSG's multi-sport strategy, including potential basketball ventures tied to NBA Europe.
The partnership positions Durant at the center of the NBA's European expansion efforts. Commissioner Adam Silver has outlined plans to launch a professional basketball league in Europe within the next few years, targeting 16 teams in markets including London and Paris.
PSG's basketball ambitions directly relate to NBA Europe, according to sources familiar with the planning. Qatar Sports Investments, PSG's parent company, expressed interest in launching a Paris basketball franchise after being approached about the NBA's expansion plans.
The proposed league faces complications with EuroLeague, which already operates Paris Basketball in the French capital. EuroLeague CEO Paulius Motiejunas acknowledged to The Athletic that collaboration with the NBA is becoming necessary.
Durant's Olympic connection to Paris strengthens the partnership's appeal. The 36-year-old won his fourth Olympic gold medal in Paris last year and expressed enthusiasm for the city's basketball potential.
"It is an honor to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain — a club and a city that is so close to my heart," Durant said. "This club has big plans ahead and I can't wait to be a part of the next phase of growth."
PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi emphasized Durant's strategic value beyond financial investment.
"We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective," Al-Khelaifi said.
The timing aligns with PSG's stadium development plans. The club is exploring new arena sites that could accommodate basketball alongside their multi-sport empire.
Durant is expected to be traded and sign a two-year extension that will run through the 2027-28 season. It is not inconceivable that Durant could play a season or two for PSG when NBA Europe launches in the coming years.
