How Ben Simmons’ $177million NBA fortune could supercharge Australian league as Aussie start commits to LA Olympics in Boomers swansong
- Is making a comeback from a serious back injury
- Wants to get a new contract in the NBA
- Has hinted at what he might invest in when he retires
Australian basketball star Ben Simmons has revealed how he plans to spend some of his NBA fortune when he retires, which is good news for domestic basketball in Australia.
The Brooklyn Nets star is making a comeback after back surgery and hopes to have many more years in the NBA before he puts the sneakers aside.
However, he hinted at what could happen beyond his playing days, including becoming an owner or co-owner of an Australian National Basketball League team.
“Another thing would be to be involved in the NBL in some way, and own a team in some aspect. I would like to be involved in Australian basketball,” Simmons told News Corp.
“That’s ultimately a dream of mine, to be able to give something back to Australian basketball.”
Simmons wants to give back to Australian basketball by playing for the Boomers and possibly investing in an NBL side
The NBL has become a breeding ground for NBA talent and has several high-profile owners
Simmons’ investment in the league would continue the growth it has experienced since billionaire real estate developer Larry Kestelman purchased a majority stake in the league in 2015.
Several Australian and NBA stars have ownership stakes in NBL teams, including Dante Exum (South East Melbourne Phoenix), Andrew Bogut (Sydney Kings), Luc Longley (Kings) and more.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is also part of the South East Melbourne Phoenix ownership group, which also includes former NBA players Al Harrington, Josh Childress and Zach Randolph.
NBA All-Star Khris Middleton is part of the Brisbane Bullets ownership group, while former NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony has been unveiled as a global ambassador for the Next Stars program.
“Knock on wood, my goal is to play in the next Olympics. Ultimately, that’s the one thing I haven’t done in my career in Australian basketball that I want to do.”
‘I was sick. I was frustrated by that, just because it was another opportunity I missed. “I always want to represent Australia,” he said.
“I was ready to go, I would have played 100 percent. I can’t predict injuries, I can’t predict surgeries. Unfortunately I couldn’t.
‘But at the end of the day it’s my dream. It’s something I talk about all the time with my friends back home. I want to attract and represent that green and gold.’
Simmons was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and signed a five-year, maximum $177 million contract with the 76ers in 2019.
But the Australian star suffered setbacks, including a significant back injury and mental health issues, which led to a lengthy absence from the game.
He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, but continued to struggle with injuries, limiting his playing time.
Simmons’ back problems forced him to withdraw from the Australian Boomers roster for the Paris Olympics, but he has returned to the NBA in the final year of his max contract, albeit with limited minutes as he recovers from an operation.