Renowned NBA figure Jason Kidd has ventured into the realm of soccer by becoming part of the ownership group of the English Premier League team, Everton. The legendary point guard and current coach of the Dallas Mavericks expressed his honor in joining Roundhouse Capital Holdings. This entity forms a segment of the Friedkin Group, which assumed control of Everton the previous year. The Friedkin Group also possesses ownership of the Italian club, Roma. In an announcement made by Everton on Thursday, Marc Watts, the executive chairman, highlighted Kidd’s “knowledge and winning mentality” as an invaluable addition. He emphasized Kidd’s potential to be a remarkable resource for the nine-time English champion club, which hasn’t secured a major trophy since 1995 and has been facing relegation threats in recent years.
Watts further described Kidd as a “respected leader and household name for many sports fans,” bringing a profound understanding of high performance, crucial in collectively aiming for a progressive future for Everton. Kidd’s illustrious basketball career includes winning an NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2011 and clinching two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008. As a coach, he led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year and has previously coached teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks.
Recently, Everton secured another year in the Premier League and is set to transition to a new, state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season. “I’m honored to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment,” Kidd stated in Everton’s announcement. “With a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.” As one of the enduring presences in England’s top soccer league since 1954, Everton holds a significant place in the sport.
At the age of 52, Kidd joins a growing list of prominent American sports figures engaging with English soccer. In 2023, NFL icon Tom Brady became a minority owner of Birmingham and now serves as chairman of its advisory board. Additionally, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James acquired a minor stake in Liverpool back in 2011, while PGA Tour golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are investors in 49ers Enterprises, which owns Leeds. Adding to the developments at Everton, the club announced on Wednesday that Christopher Sarofim, chairman of the global investment firm Fayez Sarofim & Co, had joined the ownership circle, promising to “further strengthen the club’s financial base.” Consequently, Sarofim is slated to become a board observer at the club.