When you hear the name “Kevin Durant”, the immediate association is basketball, slam dunks, and impeccable court skills. As one of the NBA’s most prolific players, Durant has never failed to impress. Yet, as the Golden State Warriors star forward has proven, his ambitions reach far beyond just hoops and alley-oops.
From Court MVP to Business Tycoon
Kevin Durant, affectionately known as KD, isn’t just known for his Finals MVP awards, a regular-season MVP, and his 10 All-Star selections. His transition from a top-tier player to a business visionary is making headlines in the financial world. His entrepreneurial venture, the Durant Company, encompasses his media subsidiary, Thirty-Five Media, and stands as a testament to his off-the-court endeavours. Further adding to his accolades, KD also operates a charitable foundation, contributing to society’s welfare.
Durant’s net worth, as listed by Celebrity Net Worth, currently stands at a whopping $170 million. And with the Warriors writing him a check for $30 million this season, his financial score is set to spike. Additionally, he holds a player option worth $31.5 million for the 2019-20 campaign. However, insiders believe he’s likely to decline this in pursuit of free agency.
“I am thinking about the money I’m going to get,” Durant candidly remarked, highlighting his desire for a significant deal, a sentiment echoed by Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.
Since his induction into the Golden State team in 2016, Durant has time and again opted for contracts that, though below his market value, have strategically benefited the franchise. But now, KD’s sights are set on a contract that recognizes his value. In terms of numbers, the Warriors can dangle a five-year deal worth an estimated $221.3 million. In contrast, other NBA factions can stretch only up to four years and $164 million.
Kevin Durant’s Full Highlights from tonight vs Portland 🐐 pic.twitter.com/O4uUlwvnuH
— 𝟑𝟓 ✰ (@Hatedzs) October 17, 2023
The Endorsement Playground
Being an athlete of Durant’s stature doesn’t just offer fame; it also brings forth numerous business opportunities. Nike recognized this potential early on, and in 2014, they inked a 10-year deal with Durant that’s rumoured to touch the $300 million mark, sweetened further with a $50 million retirement package, as reported by Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today. From his NBA debut in 2007, Durant has been the face of various Nike advertisements, cementing his status as a brand ambassador.
KD’s endorsement journey hasn’t stopped at sneakers. From tech giants like Google to airlines such as Alaska Airlines, his brand endorsement list is both diverse and expansive. Other major brands that have sought his endorsement include Gatorade, Beats by Dre, Skullcandy, and Sprint, to name a few.
Interestingly, Durant’s engagement with brands has evolved. No longer just a spokesman, he’s transitioning into more integral, long-term partnerships.
“Now it’s about finding companies he can work with for the next 15 to 20 years,” his business partner Rich Kleiman told Digiday, emphasizing the shift in brand collaboration.
Diving Deep into Business and Giving Back
Kevin Durant’s business acumen shines through his investments via Thirty-Five Ventures. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, KD has stakes in approximately “50 companies”. Some noteworthy mentions include Postmates, Acorns, Lime, and the audio giant, Master & Dynamic.
His collaboration with Master & Dynamic stands out, showcasing a special edition “Studio 35” colourway within the company’s series of noise-cancelling headphones, a tidbit shared by Rachel England of Engadget.
In summary, Kevin Durant isn’t just an NBA star; he’s a brand, an entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. As he continues to break records on the court, off the court, he’s busy setting the gold standard in business and giving back to the community. The KD empire, it seems, is just getting started.
