PARIS — On a chilly Paris evening, San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama braved the rain, dressed in a parka, hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. He took a moment to showcase his impressive skills, though not with a basketball in hand. Like many NBA players, Wembanyama is passionate about soccer. Earlier in the week, he was a prominent figure at a Champions League game featuring Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. Positioned beside the field, he entertained fans by juggling the soccer ball effortlessly — switching between feet and keeping it airborne, demonstrating a level of soccer finesse many might not expect from a basketball player. PSG star Achraf Hakimi remarked, “He could come and play with us.”
After leaving the stadium, Wembanyama wore a broad smile, reminiscent of a fan who just scored a favorite player’s jersey at an NBA match. Numerous players in the league share this soccer enthusiasm, including LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami’s Jimmy Butler, Dallas’ Luka Doncic, and New York’s Josh Hart. They are part of a lineage of former greats like Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, and Pau Gasol, who thrived on the basketball court yet held a deep admiration for soccer.
Antetokounmpo pointed out a significant difference in fame: “Soccer players are way more famous than NBA players. Way, way, way more famous.” The crossover between the two sports is evident; Lionel Messi, currently with Inter Miami, was spotted at a Miami Heat game last season, sparking excitement among fans eagerly seeking a glimpse of the soccer icon. LeBron James has invested in Liverpool through Fenway Sports Group, while Antetokounmpo recently became a part-owner of Nashville SC in Major League Soccer. Additionally, Heat guard Josh Richardson is exploring investment opportunities with a soccer team.
The interconnection between the NBA and soccer is expanding. Wembanyama highlighted the influence athletes can have, stating, “It just reminds me of that responsibility we have to make that impact positive. Overall, just bringing emotions to people and bringing it together.” The NBA closely observes European soccer, including its in-season tournaments, a model that encouraged league commissioner Adam Silver to create a similar event in the NBA, leading to the successful NBA Cup.
Currently, the NBA is engaged in discussions with FIBA and various organizations about potential collaborations in Europe, with Silver citing soccer as a model of success. He emphasized the opportunity to reevaluate effective practices for establishing a commercially viable league, drawing from the history of sports leagues, especially in Europe.
The Spurs are now officially aligning their brand with PSG. While in Paris to face the Indiana Pacers, both teams solidified a business partnership that includes co-branded merchandise. Meetings to share insights and practices are part of this collaboration, aiming for mutual benefits with both teams poised to engage audiences across different locations.
“This partnership represents a unique opportunity to blend our expertise in leadership and fan connection, creating unforgettable experiences for our audiences,” noted PSG CEO Victoriano Melero. With the Club World Cup set to take place in the U.S. next summer, new initiatives that cross geographical borders are in the works.
Jimmy Butler maintains several friendships with soccer players, including Paul Pogba. He often interacts with soccer stars attending games and boasts a collection of jerseys from various clubs worldwide. Butler conveyed an admiration for the skills required in soccer, stating, “What they do is so difficult, so it’s humbling for us. Everything we do is hand-eye coordination, and everything they do is foot-eye coordination.” He believes this unique skillset contributes to a deep respect between athletes across both sports, suggesting that if many soccer players had to choose another sport, basketball would be their pick.
