Kevin Durant buys a minority stake in PSG as Champions League winners consider 'potential' plans to create a BASKETBALL franchise
NBA star Kevin Durant has purchased a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain and will help consult on the Champions League winner's plans to expand into basketball.
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), who own the French champions, signed an investment and stratgeic partnership with two-time NBA champion Durant on Friday.
The agreement will see Durant 'consult' on the club's 'multi-sport strategy, including potential plans in basketball'.
PSG already have handball and judo teams to add to their footballing sides.
And QSI have previously expressed an interest in launching a basketball franchise in Paris.
The Durant deal comes amid discussions between the NBA and FIBA about a new European league.
PSG's formation would come as part of the NBA's possible European expansion, under the name NBA Europe.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants to launch a new professional league in Europe with 16 teams, with franchises in London and Paris, and defectors from the EuroLeague.
There is already a Parisian team in the EuroLeague but sources told The Athletic that PSG have ambitions to join NBA Europe.
Last month, Durant was ranked as the world's tenth highest paid athelete on Forbes' rich list.
The 36-year-old earned an estimated $101.4m (£76.1m) last year alone.
The American had previously invested millions in a shareholding in Paris Saint-Germain via investment firm Boardroom.
In a press release, Durant said: 'It is an honour to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain — a club and a city that is so close to my heart.
'This club has big plans ahead and I can't wait to be a part of the next phase of growth; and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.'
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, added: 'QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our group.
'We continually seek to elevate the club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.'
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