You’ve probably wondered what NBA athletes do after retirement. After all, they’re still young enough to lead active and fulfilling lives. Well, retiring from the NBA doesn’t mean a break from the sport. Many former players develop new interests, discover new businesses, and find hobbies that keep them connected to the NBA. From coaching to investing in businesses and even running large media houses, these retired players are looking for opportunities that can match what their playing careers have to offer. And in this article, we’ll take a look at exactly what they’re doing!
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Coaching and Mentoring
Many former NBA players seem to transition easily into coaching and leadership roles. They take up positions as head coaches or assistant coaches, passing on their wealth of experience to aspiring players. Former superstars like Jason Kidd and Steve Kerr have become household names in coaching circles, having won championships in the NBA themselves. Others emphasize helping rookies and other young, promising players gain the right mindset and skills to help them succeed at the professional level. Most of them start their careers as consultants, working in talent development.
And before we look at the following options, we’d like to remind you that the connection to sports can be strengthened by more than just attending sporting events. In fact, you don’t even have to get out of bed. You can simply go to online betting sites and bet on the upcoming matches of your favorite teams. This way, you’re even more immersed in the action and watch every second, hoping that your team will win—and with it, your bet! These emotions are inexpressible, and many people return to betting time after time because it also allows them to earn money on their knowledge and ability to predict outcomes.
Sports Commentary Jobs
Another common path that former players choose is to work in sports media as commentators and analysts. The idea is that their previous involvement in the game gives them an edge over their competitors, and they can provide unique commentary that sports fans around the world enjoy.
Many former players analyze games for television stations such as ESPN and TNT. Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith have become TV stars, capturing viewers’ attention with their knowledge and charm. Others, like J.J. Redick, have started their own podcasts and provide listeners with strategy and cultural information about basketball. However, by subscribing to the MelBet Insta, you can also learn a lot of useful information about sports, not just basketball. And there are also funny sports memes!
Coming back, being a commentator gives former players the opportunity to return to sports once again, but from a different perspective, and start a new career in the entertainment industry. With their own perspective, players who become commentators incorporate elements of humor and life experience, which enhances the quality of broadcasts and makes the game an exciting experience for viewers.
Investing in Businesses
Most NBA players spend their money on building huge business empires to ensure their financial stability after retirement. Here are the four main areas of their spending:
- Real estate: Magic Johnson and Chris Webber have built numerous properties across the United States.
- Restaurant chains: Shaquille O’Neal owns a stake in Papa John’s along with other franchises, and LeBron James owns a stake in Blaze Pizza.
- Tech startups: Some players, like Kevin Durant, are developing and investing in companies in Silicon Valley that support innovative new ideas.
- Sports-related businesses: Many professional athletes open their own fitness centers or sportswear brands to keep their name in the sports industry.
With these investments, retired athletes can manage their wealth and become business leaders.
Owning NBA Teams
Rarely, but in some cases, great NBA players become team owners. Their experience as players helps them manage a team in ways that most other people wouldn’t be able to understand.
Michael Jordan best epitomizes this idea, owning the Charlotte Hornets for many years before selling a controlling interest. Other former players, such as Dwyane Wade, have also become minority owners, acquiring stakes to make decisions on other teams. This ownership dynamic allows former players to exercise their power and influence the game in a variety of ways, from selecting promising young players to other actions around the league.
Charity and Philanthropy
Retired NBA stars have helped their communities in a variety of ways, mostly using their platform to become spokespeople for people who don’t have one. For example, LeBron James founded the I PROMISE School to help underprivileged children in the school environment. Other NBA stars use their wealth to focus on relief, health care, and other social justice issues that need funding. They create foundations and charitable organizations to go beyond basketball to help change the lives of many people around the world.
Launching Personal Brands
Many NBA players have figured out how to turn their names into well-known brands that extend into different industries. Here are four ways they do it:
- Shoe and apparel lines: Departed stars like Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant have created specific shoe lines that are still widely recognized today.
- Health and fitness products: Many players advertise supplements, gym products, and specialized workout programs designed for professional athletes.
- Media and entertainment: Athletes such as Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are known for creating content and producing movies.
- Book publishing: Former athletes publish their life stories in the form of memoirs, motivational literature, coaching manuals, and more.
These steps allow former players to stay relevant long after they stop playing and grow their businesses!
Starring in Movies and TV
Basketball stars have long been a part of Hollywood, turning many fans into movie stars. Movies featuring Shaquille O’Neal include Blue Chips and Kazaam, as well as LeBron James in Space Jam: A New Legacy. But those are just a few examples. Others, like Rick Fox, have fully immersed themselves in acting and have been starring in numerous TV shows and movies. Their distinctive personalities, amazing confidence, and worldwide fame make them perfect for work outside of the basketball court.
Enjoying Life After Basketball
In general, summarizing, as in life, some NBA players devote all their attention to sports and business, while others prefer to enjoy life to the fullest. For some, it’s traveling, spending time with family, and personal hobbies. Thus, retirement has a completely different meaning—it’s about new opportunities, new challenges, and different kinds of success. Most importantly, the athletes demonstrated their greatness, and it went far beyond the court. They have and will continue to have an impact long after retirement!