Warriors’ Steph Curry ‘absolutely’ wants to be NBA owner after career

Warriors’ Steph Curry ‘absolutely’ wants to be NBA owner after career originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

• Programming note: Listen to Monte Poole and Dalton Johnson’s wide-ranging interview with Warriors superstar Steph Curry in the latest episode of “Dubs Talk,” which will debut Thursday morning wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Steph Curry is defying the limits of his peak every day. The Warriors superstar has been delivering monumental performances in the first few games of his 15th season, proving that he is still the former two-time NBA MVP with no signs of slowing down. His extraordinary shooting skills can potentially drive the length of his career for as long as he desires.

Although Curry’s exceptional shooting is what typically comes to mind, he has progressed into so much more in the course of his career. Once considered a defensive liability, Curry, who led the league in steals per game during his 2015-16 unanimous MVP season, has significantly improved his defense. The strength gained from his intense workouts has also allowed him to enhance other facets of his game.

Retirement feels like a distant thought to Curry at the moment. However, despite defying age, the reality is that Curry is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. His value goes beyond his on-court skills; he is a business.

In May 2023, Forbes ranked Curry as the eighth-highest paid athlete in the world for 2023 with earnings of $100.4 million. His $51.9 million contract for the 2023-24 season is the highest in the NBA. Curry is already planning for his life post-retirement.

Curry undeniably aspires to be an NBA team owner someday, or at the very least be part of an ownership group.

“Absolutely,” Curry stated in the latest “Dubs Talk” episode with NBC Sports Bay Area. “Understanding the business and the intricate operations of the NBA is absolutely fascinating. Knowing where the future of the league is headed is intriguing, especially considering the tremendous changes the NBA has undergone in the 15 years I’ve been a part of it and hopefully will continue to be for a long time to come.”

“But to have the opportunity to be part of an ownership group that contributes to the NBA’s growth, enhancing basketball-related income and expanding the league to new markets is an exciting prospect. I have heard hints and rumors about new teams in cities like [Las] Vegas and possibly Seattle. The possibility of being part of that expansion thrills me,” he added.

A lot has changed since Curry’s debut with the Warriors, both in his career and the NBA itself. The Warriors’ relocation to San Francisco from Oakland is one example, an accomplishment for which Curry played an integral role. He also acknowledges the indispensable role of Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber in propelling the franchise to unprecedented success. Additionally, he has observed how Buster Posey’s continued involvement with the Giants ignites the fans’ passion.

“I want to be part of an ownership group that shares my enthusiasm for winning and fostering connections with the community and the fan base, much like we have here in the Bay Area. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge over the course of my 15-year career and recognize that I can add value to the operation,” Curry noted.

Furthermore, Curry understands the potential impact of him becoming an NBA owner, particularly in terms of diversity and representation. With no Black majority owner in any of the four major American sports leagues, Curry sees this as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

“It’s huge,” Curry stressed. “The conversations around diversity and representation within the leadership groups across every industry have been extremely important. The emphasis should be on elevating diverse decision-making in businesses, especially in consumer-centered leagues like the NBA. It’s crucial to have representation and diversity at the ownership level, and I know that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has made this a priority for the league moving forward.”

While Curry’s playing career is far from over, his aspirations of becoming an NBA owner are driven by a genuine desire to contribute positively to the game and the community, building on the values he has displayed throughout his own playing career.

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