Former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons is charting a new course off the basketball court by stepping into professional sports ownership this time in an unexpected arena. The 28-year-old has become a leading owner in the South Florida Sails, a team competing in the rapidly growing Sport Fishing Championship (SFC), marking a significant expansion of his business interests beyond basketball.
Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, is widely known for his on-court success and challenges during recent seasons. While his future in the NBA remains uncertain, his latest venture signals a broader vision that blends personal passion with long-term investment strategy.
A Passion Project Turned Professional Investment
Unlike many athlete investments driven purely by financial opportunity, Simmons’ involvement in professional sport fishing is rooted in a genuine love for the sport. An avid fisherman for years, he has frequently spent time on the water during off-seasons and rehabilitation periods. That passion ultimately evolved into a leadership role within the SFC, a league that has steadily gained traction among sports fans, sponsors, and investors.
The Sport Fishing Championship features professional angling teams competing across a season-long schedule, earning points based on catches of high-profile species such as sailfish and marlin. Events are designed for broadcast and digital platforms, combining traditional sport fishing with modern production and analytics. Simmons’ ownership group aims to elevate the South Florida Sails as both a competitive team and a recognizable brand within the league.
Strategic Ownership in a Growing Sports Market
Simmons joins a growing list of current and former professional athletes who are investing in alternative sports leagues. As traditional sports ownership becomes increasingly expensive and exclusive, emerging leagues like the SFC offer athletes a chance to take meaningful ownership positions earlier in their careers.
For Simmons, the South Florida Sails represent an opportunity to help shape the direction of a franchise from the ground up. His role extends beyond passive investment, as he has expressed interest in the operational, branding, and growth aspects of the team. The ownership group includes experienced figures from both the sport fishing and business worlds, allowing Simmons to contribute while learning the nuances of team management.
Balancing Business Ventures and Basketball Ambitions
Despite speculation surrounding his basketball career, Simmons has not announced his retirement from the NBA. He remains a free agent and continues to train while managing lingering health concerns that have limited his availability in recent seasons. Those close to him indicate that he is still open to returning to the league under the right circumstances.
At the same time, Simmons’ off-court activities suggest a player preparing for life beyond professional basketball. By investing in a niche but expanding sport, he is positioning himself for sustained involvement in the sports industry regardless of how his playing career unfolds.
Elevating the Profile of Professional Fishing
The involvement of high-profile athletes like Simmons brings added visibility to professional fishing, a sport that has traditionally operated outside the mainstream spotlight. His presence is expected to attract new fans, sponsorship opportunities, and media attention, particularly among younger audiences who follow athletes across multiple platforms.
The South Florida Sails, based in a region synonymous with offshore fishing, are well positioned to benefit from that exposure. The team’s leadership believes Simmons’ global profile and competitive mindset will help drive performance on the water while strengthening the franchise’s commercial appeal.
A Broader Trend Among Modern Athletes
Simmons’ move reflects a broader trend of modern athletes diversifying their portfolios while still in their prime. Ownership stakes, venture capital investments, and brand building have become integral parts of elite athletes’ careers, allowing them to exert control over their financial futures and personal identities.
Rather than waiting until retirement, players like Simmons are leveraging their visibility and resources now, aligning with ventures that resonate personally while offering long-term growth potential.
Looking Ahead
Whether or not Ben Simmons ultimately returns to the NBA, his entry into professional fishing ownership underscores a strategic and forward-thinking approach to his career. By combining passion, business acumen, and a willingness to explore unconventional paths, Simmons is redefining what it means to be a modern professional athlete.
As the Sport Fishing Championship continues to expand, and as questions around Simmons’ basketball future persist, one thing is clear: his influence in the sports world is no longer limited to the hardwood.
