Basketball Legend Jason Kidd Buys into Premier League Drama with Everton FC
In the ever-evolving intersectxion of sports and business, the latest play involves NBA legend turned coach, Jason Kidd, moving from the hardcourt to the lush grass of English football – bringing his talents to Everton F.C.’s ownership roster. It’s not every day you see a Hall of Fame NBA point guard dive into soccer’s rich tapestry, but Kidd’s journey from the Dallas Mavericks to one of the English Premier League’s storied clubs is like watching a well-executed play shift from defense to a fast break, aimed at redefining Everton’s fortunes.
The news broke when Everton, having dodged the specter of relegation, announced Kidd’s affiliation with Roundhouse Capital Holdings. Part of the Friedkin Group, the majority owners of Everton and also stewards of Roma in Serie A, his involvement promises an infusion of fresh perspectives and strategic acumen to this club aiming for a brighter future. Executive chair Marc Watts described Kidd as a “respected leader and household name for many sports fans,” whose insights into high performance could be a game-changer for Everton, a nine-time English champion grappling to return to its glory days.
Kidd, known for winning an NBA championship, guiding his teams to the NBA Finals, and amassing Olympic gold medals, brings not just his coaching prowess but also a spirit of high ambition and leadership. His statement reflects both a sense of honor and excitement, “I’m honored to be joining Everton’s ownership… With a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great time to come on board.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates with Evertonians eagerly anticipating the move to Bramley-Moore Dock – a beacon of rejuvenation for the club. And let’s not forget, Kidd isn’t alone. American sports luminaries like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have dabbled in English football, bringing a blend of experience and curiosity to this global sport.
Everton’s quest for revitalization comes at a pivotal moment. Their commitment to evolve, nurture talent, and entertain their fans is palpable. With Jason Kidd’s strategic mind and distinguished sporting heritage, could he be the ace up Everton’s sleeve? Only time, and the roar of the Goodison Park crowd, will tell.
Everton has been an ever-present in England’s top soccer league since 1954.Kidd “is a respected leader and household name for many sports fans,” Watts said, “and will bring a deeper understanding of high performance as we collectively strive to build a brighter future for this storied club.”“I’m honored to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment,” Kidd said in Everton’s statement. “With a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.”Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James bought a small stake in Liverpool in 2011 and PGA Tour golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are investors in 49ers Enterprises, which owns Leeds.NBA great Jason Kidd has entered the soccer world by joining the ownership group of English Premier League club Everton.
Everton said Sarofim will be a board observer at the club.
The Hall of Fame point guard and current Dallas Mavericks coach said he was “honored” to join Roundhouse Capital Holdings, which is part of the Friedkin Group that took control of Everton last year. The group also owns Italian team Roma.In a statement released Thursday by Everton, executive chairman Marc Watts said Kidd’s “knowledge and winning mentality will be an incredible resource” for a nine-time English champion which is without a major trophy since 1995 and has been battling relegation in recent years.In 2023, NFL great Tom Brady became a minority owner of Birmingham and chairman of its advisory board.Everton recently secured its status in the Premier League for another year and is moving to a new state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of next season.On Wednesday, Everton announced that Christopher Sarofim, chairman of global investment firm Fayez Sarofim & Co, had joined the ownership group in a move that “will further strengthen the club’s financial base.”Kidd won an NBA title as a player with the Mavericks in 2011 and was a two-time Olympic gold-medal winner with the U.S. national team, in 2000 and 2008. He took the Mavs to the NBA Finals as coach last year and has had previous spells in charge of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.The 52-year-old Kidd becomes the latest high-profile figure from American sports to get involved in English soccer.
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