Five-time NBA Champion Magic Johnson has had an incredibly successful career in business, and his latest move is as a part of the ownership group that purchased the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
Johnson spoke with Craig Melvin on NBC’s “TODAY” on Friday, July 21 and broke down in tears when explaining the importance of this moment to him.
“It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Johnson said.
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Johnson, who also has ownership stake in the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and MLS’ Los Angeles FC, said that his moves in business go well beyond the money.
“Breaking these barriers and going through these doors is important for me, as a proud black man,” Johnson said. “I don’t know why God blessed me with these opportunities, but I’m going to excel not only for myself and my family, but for all African-Americans.”
None of the majority owners of the NFL are Black, but Johnson joins a very limited group of Black minority owners including Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton.
In the NBA, Michael Jordan owned the Charlotte Hornets for 13 years, but began finalizing the sale of the franchise last month leaving no Black majority owners in the the NBA as well.
Johnson has publicly been an advocate of minorities for a long time. Aside from becoming one of the faces of Black athletes in the NBA, Johnson has also expressed support for his gay son.
Johnson has also championed the awareness of HIV and AIDS, as he famously spoke out about his diagnosis of HIV late in his NBA playing career.
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Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris led the purchase of the Washington Commanders from controversial owner Dan Snyder, which was confirmed by the league on Thursday, July 20. The $6.05 billion sale was the biggest in professional sports history.
