Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is in “advanced talks” to become a co-owner of the NBL’s South East Melbourne Phoenix, according to long-time US hoops insider Marc Stein.
Stein, a former New York Times and ESPN NBA correspondent who now runs his own Substack, tweeted the news on Wednesday afternoon.
“Kyrgios would join a Romie Chaudhari-led ownership group that includes John Wall, Zach Randolph, Al Harrington, Josh Childress and Dante Exum,” Stein explained.
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Kyrgios was previously a regular at Sydney Kings games and an apparent fan, starring in the team’s celebrity game last year, famously blocking the shot of NSW premier Dom Perrottet.
A feud erupted between Kyrgios and NBL great Steve Carfino following the contest, with the Wimbledon finalist declared “a jerk” for his actions.
Kyrgios, a huge basketball fan who adores the Boston Celtics, would not be the first big name to enter NBL ownership.
Andrew Bogut has long been linked with the Kings, Shawn Marion and Victor Oladipo are part of the New Zealand Breakers’ ownership group and Kevin Martin has a share in the Brisbane Bullets.
The Phoenix were created in 2018 as the second team based in Victoria, joining Melbourne United. They have made one NBL finals appearance, losing in the 2020-21 semi-finals to their local rivals.
