Tom Brady Joins the Ranks of Professional Sports Team Owners as New Co-Owner of WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces

Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback and one of the most iconic athletes of his generation, has officially ventured into the world of professional sports ownership. This week, Brady announced a groundbreaking new chapter in his post-playing career by becoming a co-owner of the Las Vegas Aces, a professional women’s basketball team competing in the WNBA.

This move places Brady alongside other prominent figures who have transitioned from playing on the field to investing in sports franchises. His announcement was made via a video posted on Twitter on Thursday, where he shared his excitement about joining the ownership group of the Aces. The team is currently under the majority ownership of Mark Davis, who also owns the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. This connection makes for a unique Las Vegas-based sports partnership, bridging professional football and women’s basketball in an increasingly dynamic sports market.

“I’m really excited to announce that I’m going to be a part of the Las Vegas Aces,” Brady said in the video. “It’s just a matter of time before I’m back at the arena, supporting some of the greatest athletes in the world.”

This announcement is a significant milestone for Brady as he continues to build his legacy beyond the gridiron. After retiring from professional football, Brady has remained in the public eye with various business ventures and media engagements. Now, sports team ownership offers a new platform for him to influence the game from a different perspective.

A New Chapter After Retirement

Tom Brady’s move into ownership comes at an interesting time. In recent years, he has already begun carving out a media career, signing a massive 10-year, $375 million deal with FOX Sports to serve as a lead NFL analyst alongside longtime commentator Kevin Burkhardt. Despite this, Brady recently revealed that he would delay the start of his broadcasting career until the fall of 2024, perhaps signaling that his immediate focus would be on his new role with the Aces and other ventures.

His announcement of co-ownership signals his desire to stay connected to professional sports and to support women’s athletics in particular. The WNBA has been growing rapidly in popularity and visibility, and the Las Vegas Aces have emerged as one of the league’s top teams, highlighted by their championship win over the Connecticut Sun in last year’s WNBA Finals.

The Las Vegas Aces: A Championship-Caliber Franchise

The Las Vegas Aces have quickly established themselves as a powerhouse within the WNBA. Under the leadership of Becky Hammon, the team’s head coach and a six-time WNBA All-Star, the Aces have consistently competed at the highest level. Hammon, who also served as an assistant coach for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs from 2014 to 2022, has brought a wealth of experience and credibility to the team, guiding the Aces to their first championship title last season.

With Brady’s investment and involvement, the Aces are poised to continue their ascent in women’s professional basketball. The team’s ambition is clear: to become the first WNBA franchise to defend its title successfully since the Los Angeles Sparks accomplished back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002.

Brady’s Brief Retirement and Comeback

Tom Brady’s journey over the past couple of years has been marked by pivotal career decisions. He initially announced his retirement from the NFL last year, ending an illustrious 22-season career that included seven Super Bowl victories—more than any player in NFL history. However, Brady’s retirement lasted only 40 days before he shocked the sports world by announcing his return to play for a 23rd season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite a strong season, Brady’s Buccaneers fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations, being eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Dallas Cowboys after winning the NFC South division. Now, as Brady transitions from player to owner, his influence on the sport is evolving, and his focus appears to be shifting toward growing the game beyond his on-field exploits.

The Growing Influence of Athlete Owners

Tom Brady’s new ownership role reflects a broader trend of athletes becoming involved in sports franchise ownership. Players like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson have successfully transitioned into ownership roles across various leagues, bringing unique perspectives as former athletes to team management and business operations.

Brady’s investment in the Las Vegas Aces also highlights the growing significance of women’s sports. The WNBA has seen increasing interest from fans, sponsors, and media outlets, and having a figure of Brady’s stature involved only boosts the league’s visibility and credibility.

The partnership with Mark Davis, the Raiders’ owner, is notable as well. Both owners now share a vested interest in the Las Vegas sports scene, potentially creating synergies between the NFL and WNBA franchises in terms of marketing, fan engagement, and community outreach.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for the WNBA

The 2023 WNBA season is set to begin on March 19, and all eyes will be on the defending champions as they aim to make history with back-to-back titles. The addition of Brady as a co-owner could bring new energy, resources, and attention to the Aces and the league as a whole.

With increased investment and high-profile ownership, the WNBA continues to grow both on and off the court. Teams are securing bigger sponsorship deals, media coverage is expanding, and attendance is rising. As women’s basketball gains momentum, the involvement of major sports figures like Brady will be crucial in sustaining and accelerating this growth.

Brady’s Commitment Beyond the Field

Tom Brady’s post-retirement path illustrates his ongoing commitment to sports and his desire to shape the future of athletics. His role as a co-owner allows him to influence the game from a leadership position, fostering talent, supporting women athletes, and helping to elevate the WNBA’s status on a national and international level.

While fans may have been accustomed to seeing Brady in a football jersey, they can now look forward to seeing his impact behind the scenes, contributing to the success of one of the most exciting teams in women’s sports.

Conclusion

Tom Brady’s transition from NFL superstar to co-owner of the Las Vegas Aces marks a significant moment in sports ownership. As he joins forces with Mark Davis and steps into the world of professional women’s basketball, Brady is expanding his legacy beyond the gridiron.

This move symbolizes the increasing crossover between male and female sports domains and highlights the growing recognition and support for women’s professional leagues. For the WNBA, the involvement of an athlete of Brady’s caliber is a game-changer, potentially driving further growth, investment, and fan engagement.

As the 2023 WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on the Las Vegas Aces—not just as reigning champions but as a franchise with renewed energy and influential new ownership. For Brady, this new chapter represents both a challenge and an opportunity to continue shaping the future of sports in unprecedented ways.