Stephen Curry eyes NBA ownership after retirement

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry isn’t hanging up his basketball shoes just yet—but he’s already lining up his next moves. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Sport as part of their special “Curry Inc.: The Business of Stephen Curry,” the 37-year-old NBA icon laid out a range of post-retirement ambitions.

Curry told CNBC he plans to take a more active leadership role in Thirty Ink, his business conglomerate that includes Unanimous Media, Gentleman’s Cut bourbon, and the 7k marketing agency. But his ambitions don’t end there.

Like Michael Jordan before him, who owned the Charlotte Hornets from 2010 to 2023, Curry hopes to one day join NBA ownership ranks. “The idea of being a part of an ownership group… that’s something I’m excited about pursuing,” Curry told CNBC, while acknowledging the financial hurdles of majority ownership, with NBA team valuations now averaging $4.66 billion.

Curry is a graduate of Davidson College, located just north of Charlotte, and rose to fame as a college basketball standout.

In 2016, Curry became the first unanimous NBA MVP, earning the award for the second straight season after leading the defending champion Warriors to a record-setting season. Curry is the 11th player in league history to be voted MVP in consecutive seasons and the first guard to do so since Steve Nash in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Curry received 1,310 points from the 131 media voters.

Curry has led Golden State to four NBA championships and two MVP awards during his illustrious career which also includes nine All-Star Game appearances.

In his interview with CNBC, Curry also expressed interest in investing in the WNBA and the Unrivaled women’s basketball league, where he is already a stakeholder.

Broadcasting is on the table too, though Curry told CNBC he’d be “patient” before stepping into a studio role, noting he’d want to be “all in” on whatever he chooses.

And don’t count out golf—Curry, a scratch golfer and 2023 American Century Championship winner, said he’s seriously considering a run at the PGA Tour Champions after age 50.