6 days ago
NBA champ Tristan Thompson disrupts telecom giants with bold plan to expand internet access worldwide
NBA champ Tristan Thompson disrupts telecom giants with bold plan to expand internet access worldwide (Image Source: Getty Images)
Tristan Thompson is well-known for his strong defense on the basketball court, but now he is stepping into a new role off the court. In August 2025, the
NBA
star joined World Mobile as their Chief Digital Equity Officer.
His new job focuses on helping people in underserved areas get internet access, aiming to connect millions worldwide who currently have no reliable online connection.
NBA champion Tristan Thompson takes on digital equity mission
On August 10, TMZ Sports reported that Tristan Thompson, the 34-year-old NBA player, joined the
telecommunications
company World Mobile. He has taken a big role there as the Chief Digital Equity Officer. This means Tristan will help World Mobile connect people who live without easy access to the internet.
— tmz (@tmz)
Thompson is not just a face for the company. According to World Mobile sources, he believes deeply in their mission to give internet service to people in many parts of the world who lack it, especially in poor or rural areas. Right now, about one-third of the world's population has no internet connection. This is often because big companies find it too expensive to build networks in those places.
World Mobile plans to change this by using a special peer-to-peer system.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
What is an insulated prefabricated house and how much does it cost? (View)
Prefabricated Homes
View Deals
Undo
Instead of building costly towers, regular people can host small devices called AirNodes. These devices help build a big network that spreads the internet in new ways.
Balancing basketball and tech Tristan Thompson's ambitious dual role
Tristan Thompson's new job started officially in August 2025. As Chief Digital Equity Officer, he will lead the "Community Connectivity Fund." This is a multi-million-dollar program by World Mobile aimed at improving internet infrastructure and starting pilot projects in different parts of the world.
Thompson said in an interview with TMZ Sports, 'Connecting people to the internet changes lives. It opens doors to education, jobs, and health care.' He believes his work with World Mobile can make a real difference.
While preparing for his 14th NBA season as a free agent, Thompson is balancing his basketball career with this new mission. In addition to World Mobile, he is also working with two companies focused on Artificial Intelligence, including a partnership with TracyAI announced earlier in 2025.
His role with World Mobile is based mainly out of the company's offices, which focus on global connectivity projects. The company's approach of using AirNodes allows ordinary people to help spread internet access, which could make a big impact in remote areas.
Also Read:
TikTok star Emilie Kiser's husband distracted by $25 NBA playoff bet as toddler drowns in backyard pool
Tristan Thompson's new role shows how athletes can use their influence beyond sports to help people worldwide. His focus on digital equity highlights the growing importance of internet access as a basic need everywhere.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
