NBA icon Russell Westbrook is not just focused on his legacy as a player; he’s carving out a future in business that he hopes will mirror his on-court success. As he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Westbrook is strategically positioning himself for life beyond basketball.
At 37 years old, Westbrook recently concluded his 18th season in the NBA. While he remains dedicated to performing at a high level, he is keenly aware that his playing days are limited. The former UCLA standout, who has amassed an impressive $349.5 million in career earnings, is actively enhancing his investment portfolio through his company, Russell Westbrook Enterprises.
Westbrook aspires to join the ranks of NBA legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who have achieved billionaire status through their business endeavors. However, he acknowledges that this journey will be challenging, especially given his roots in a middle-class family from Hawthorne, California.
What sets Westbrook apart from many of his peers is his unique approach to investments. While other NBA stars often gravitate towards flashy ventures, Westbrook has opted for a more grounded and community-oriented strategy. His portfolio includes investments in a variety of businesses, such as Pizzana restaurant, CenterWell home healthcare, HealthHouse fitness studios, and RW Digital, a company focused on minority-targeted digital advertising.
In a revealing interview with Forbes in 2023, Westbrook explained his philosophy: “It’s not a sexy business by any means, but it’s a very lucrative business that grows exponentially. It clicked for me in my brain. It’s like, non-sexy is sexy for me.” This mindset reflects his commitment to building a sustainable and impactful business legacy.
Beyond the realm of traditional business, Westbrook has also ventured into sports ownership. In 2023, he joined an investment group to acquire a stake in Leeds United, a prominent Premier League soccer club. Additionally, he is part of the ownership team for Energy FC, a professional soccer team based in Oklahoma City, where he is investing in the development of a new 12,000-seat stadium along with retail and entertainment spaces.
Despite his forward-thinking business strategies, Westbrook is not ready to hang up his sneakers just yet. He made it clear that winning an NBA title remains a priority, even as he prepares for the next chapter of his life. During his 18th season with the Sacramento Kings, he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Unfortunately, the Kings struggled with a disappointing 22-60 record, leaving them far from championship contention.
In his exit interview, Westbrook shared his evolving perspective on winning and playing in the league. “There’s so many different things that have to align for you to be able to win a championship in this league… But sometimes you can be in the position and it don’t work out. That’s it. So for me, it’s just being in a place where I’m wanted, having fun, enjoying the game. To me, that’s what’s important,” he reflected.
As Westbrook navigates the final years of his NBA career, he appears to be on the brink of an equally promising venture in the business world. With a thoughtful approach and a commitment to community-focused investments, the question remains: what will be his next big move?
