Ja Morant Buys Stake in French Basketball Team Levallois Metropolitans

Ja Morant's company Catch12 has bought a minority stake in the French team Levallois Metropolitans, showing a growing interest in European basketball.
By Newsroom | Sports, Business |

Minority Stake Acquired in Levallois Metropolitans

Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant, through his media and business entity Catch12, has secured a minority ownership stake in the French basketball team Levallois Metropolitans. This move signals a strategic push into the European basketball market, with Paris emerging as a key focal point for potential NBA expansion.

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The investment is framed as more than just a financial transaction, extending to the people and culture surrounding the team, with a declared intent to shape the future of basketball in Paris and beyond.

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Morant's venture, Catch12, has invested in EuroStep Ventures (ESV), the parent company of the Levallois Metropolitans. The team currently competes in the French third division and has aspirations for a return to the top-tier LNB, alongside potential involvement in future NBA Europe initiatives. The Metropolitans gained notable U.S. attention following Victor Wembanyama's tenure with the club, his games having been broadcast on NBA TV.

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A Glimpse of NBA Europe

The NBA's engagement with European basketball is escalating, with ongoing discussions for a potential partnership to establish a new league across the continent. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is reportedly spearheading this "NBA Europe" initiative, which has reportedly garnered interest from investors in 12 major European cities. Morant's acquisition is seen as a move that aligns with this broader trend, capitalizing on early opportunities within this evolving landscape.

The acquisition by Morant and Catch12 positions them to influence the development of basketball in a "dynamic and competitive" Parisian market. The parallel is drawn between Morant's cultural impact and that of Allen Iverson, suggesting a recognition of his influence extending beyond the court.

While Ja Morant continues his on-court efforts to help the Memphis Grizzlies secure a playoff spot after returning from injury, his business interests are charting a different course. The investment reportedly follows weeks after the Metropolitans hosted NBA player Serge Ibaka.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Ja Morant invest in the French basketball team Levallois Metropolitans?
Ja Morant, through his company Catch12, bought a minority stake to enter the European basketball market. This move could help shape basketball in Paris and Europe.
Q: What is the Levallois Metropolitans team?
This is a French basketball team that plays in the third division. They want to return to the top league and might join future NBA Europe plans.
Q: How does this connect to the NBA's plans in Europe?
The NBA is looking to start a new league in Europe. Ja Morant's investment is seen as an early step into this growing area.
Q: What does this mean for basketball fans in Paris?
Ja Morant's investment could bring more attention and development to basketball in Paris. His influence might help the team grow and attract more fans.