NBA guard Chris Paul, who has played for nearly two decades in the league, is looking beyond his basketball career towards ownership of an NBA franchise, a WNBA franchise, and at least 61 shares of Chevron stock. In an interview with Forbes senior writer Jabari Young at the Nasdaq MarketSite, Paul discussed his aspirations and business portfolio. He also expressed interest in building a start-up soccer league and capitalizing on the growing athlete media space.
Paul, who is currently playing for the Golden State Warriors, has a $30 million option for next season that must be decided by June 26. If the option is not exercised or an extension is not agreed upon, Paul would become an unrestricted free agent. Despite the uncertainty, Paul remains focused on his long-term goals of owning a team and honoring his grandfather, who ran a Chevron gas station before his tragic death in 2002.
Throughout his career, Paul has achieved numerous milestones, including being named Rookie of the Year in 2005-2006, earning 12 all-star selections, and leading NBA players’ labor interests from 2013 to 2021. He has also navigated challenges such as the 2011 lockout and the removal of racist team owner Donald Sterling. Despite these experiences, Paul remains committed to his entrepreneurial pursuits and aims to make a positive impact off the court.
With over $350 million in career earnings and numerous endorsement deals with brands like Michael Jordan and State Farm, Paul has built a diverse business portfolio that includes investments in Slutty Vegan, WatchBox, The Soccer Tournament, and PlayersTV. He credits his time in the NBA, as well as his role as NBPA president, for preparing him for the business world and teaching him about collaboration and patience.
Paul emphasizes the importance of investing in people rather than just ideas, highlighting the need for trust and mutual respect in business partnerships. He plans to continue developing content for PlayersTV through his production company, Ohh Dip!!!, and remains focused on building a legacy that extends beyond basketball. As he looks towards the future, Paul’s ambition and determination set him apart as he pursues his dreams of team ownership and financial success in the business world.
