Commanders LB, ex-Seahawk Bobby Wagner buys stake in Seattle Storm as 1st active NFL player to invest in WNBA team
The Storm announced the transaction on Wednesday in a statement Wagner shared on his social media.
'It's an honor to join the Seattle Storm ownership group and support a franchise that has consistently set the standard in women's professional sports,' Wagner said, via the announcement. 'This is about more than basketball, it's about investing in a legacy of excellence, empowering women and continuing to elevate the game for future generations.'
The Storm did not announce the percentage of Wagner's stake. They announced the news of Wagner's purchase weeks after reports that that Storm had sold 1.5% of the franchise's equity to three different investors at a valuation of $325 million. It's not clear if Wagner was part of that group or if his is a separate transaction.
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Prior to joining the Commanders in 2024, Wagner was a fixture in the Seattle community as an 11-year veteran with the Seahawks and a defensive anchor for the franchise's only Super Bowl championship team from the 2013 season. Now he's a stakeholder in the city's WNBA franchise.
Multiple retired athletes have invested in WNBA franchises, including Tom Brady (Aces), Dwyane Wade (Sky) and Alex Rodriguez, who purchased a majority stake of both the Minnesota Timbewolves and Lynx alongside business partner Marc Lore.
But, according to the Storm, Wagner is the first active NFL player to invest in a WNBA team. He does so prior to his 14th NFL season and after being selected to an All-Pro team for the 11th straight season.
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