NBA star Ogugua ‘O.G.’ Anunoby Jnr has become a part-owner of the London Lions Basketball club at just 25 years old.
Anunoby – who became the first British player to win an NBA championship with the Raptors in 2019 – will join the London Lions’ ownership alongside 777 Partners.
The London-born star said he purchased a minority stake in the club to ‘do his part as a role model to all the young hoopers in London and across the entire UK’.
He went on to say that he is ‘looking forward to visiting the team in the off-season’ and promised to have a hands-on approach when it comes to ‘building the organisation’.
Meanwhile, the Lions are delighted to have the backing of Anunoby given his profile in the United States and his connection to London.
NBA star Ogugua Anunoby Jnr (pictured) has become a part-owner of the London Lions Basketball club
Anunoby is ‘looking forward to visiting the team in the off-season’ and insists he will have a hands-on approach when it comes to ‘building the organisation’
The London Lions won their second BBL Championship last January, and became the first British basketball team to win both the BBL Championship and Cup in the same season
Anunoby – who is regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA since being drafted 23rd overall by the Raptors in 2017 – grew up in London before moving to the US.
Speaking about his investment, the defender said: ‘It’s great to see everything that is going on in British basketball right now, which is why I am really excited to join the London Lions.
‘I just want to do my part as a role model to all the young hoopers in London and across the entire UK. I look forward to visiting the team in the off-season and can’t wait to help build with the organisation.’
Meanwhile, Lenz Balan, vice-president of 777 partners said: ‘We are delighted to welcome O.G. Anunoby as a part-owner of the London Lions at such an exciting time in the club’s history.
‘Having broken a number of records this year, we believe that having OG’s calibre and experience on the ownership team will help bring the club to the next level.
‘He is a top player that shares the same DNA and passion as our team and will be instrumental in helping put British basketball on an even bigger stage in years to come.’
Anunoby is joining the London Lions team at an exciting time. They won their second BBL Championship last January, and became the first British basketball team to win both the BBL Championship and Cup in the same season.
The London Lions also qualified for the EuroCup playoffs – becoming the first British team to have done so. The club also reached record high attendance figures for the BBL Championship final.
