It’s official: Basketball tragic Nick Kyrgios teams up with NBA stars to become part-owner of NBL team South East Melbourne Phoenix
- Kyrgios is a huge basketball fan – especially of the NBA powerhouse Celtics
- He has joined several NBA stars by taking a stake in South East Melbourne
- Star will spend more time in Australia so he can get involved with the team
Nick Kyrgios has turned his love of basketball into an investment by joining the ownership group of NBL team the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The deal was announced on the eve of the Australian Open, with the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up making a second move into sports investment.
He recently joined four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka in investing in Miami PC, who will compete in next year’s Major Pickleball League in the US.
A friendship with Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari is beyond Kyrgios’ investment move.
Kyrgios joins former NBA champion Andrew Bogut in ownership of an NBL outfit. Bogut is a part-owner of reigning champions the Sydney Kings.
Kyrgios – who has often spoken about his love of the NBA’s Boston Celtics and played in a celebrity match in Sydney last April – has taken a stake in the South East Melbourne Phoenix
The tennis star said he’ll be spending more time in Australia from now on – allowing him to be hands-on with the Phoenix (pictured playing in Cairns on January 8)
The Phoenix ownership group also includes NBA star John Wall and former NBA players Al Harrington, Josh Childress, Dante Exum, and Zach Randolph.
‘Everyone knows my basketball roots and to be a part of the NBL. There has been so much growth, it’s a massive move for me, I’m excited to jump on board and do anything I can to help grow the team. Massive pleasure for me to be a part of it.
I’m one of the tennis players who doesn’t travel as often, I’m looking to be in Australia a little bit more, whenever they need my help or support I’m willing to do what I can. I’ll give them my time.
I’ve got a lot of things happening but this is the biggest one to be honest. My tennis career won’t last forever.
Kyrgios practiced on center court at Melbourne Park on Thursday as he gears up for his Australian Open campaign, having overcome an ankle and knee issue that forced him out of the United Cup and Adelaide International.
Los Angeles Clippers NBA star John Wall (pictured) is also in the Phoenix ownership group
‘My knee is feeling good, my ankle is feeling good,’ he said.
I don’t think anyone is feeling 100 percent, with a couple of people pulling out already, it’s normal for everyone this time of year to be battling some injuries.
‘But I’m one of the best players in the world so I’m going to go into the tournament with confidence.’
Despite his own hopes, Kyrgios said nine-time champion Novak Djokovic remained favorite to win, even after his injury scare on Wednesday.
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