The Philadelphia Union on Monday officially welcomed aboard their newest part owner/investor, Kevin Durant.
Durant purchased a 5% ownership stake in the Union with the option to purchase an additional 5% in the future.
Durant, a Maryland kid, had previously tried to buy a stake in the MLS' D.C. United before joining the Union.
“I’m excited to partner with the Philadelphia Union for years to come," Durant said in a statement released by the team. "My team and I connected instantly with the Union coaching staff and leadership, as well as the team’s story.
"Off the pitch, I’m looking forward to working in the Chester and Philadelphia communities and making an impact in the same way that the [Kevin Durant Charity Foundation] has been able to in my hometown of Prince George's County.”
The partnership with Durant also includes a partnership with Thirty Five Ventures, the company co-founded by Durant and his manager Rich Kleiman. The goal is to grow "the Union footprint in the sports world, working closely with the Union on marketing opportunities, and expanding the Union’s community outreach in conjunction with" Durant's charity.
In partnership with Thirty Five Ventures, the Union has committed to:
Philadelphia Union
• Developing programs in the Chester and Philadelphia areas to empower Chester’s youth to tackle social and racial injustice in their community and beyond via social justice programs and resources.
• Address needs related to COVID-19, with support for food banks and local small business recovery efforts.
• Support youth sports programming and development in Chester and surrounding areas.