Chris Paul, the recently retired NBA star, has voiced his frustration with the league’s strict rules limiting players’ investment opportunities. In September 2025, he became a minority owner in Angel City FC, a National Women’s Soccer League team. Paul emphasized on "The Late Run Show" podcast that athletes bring valuable insights to team ownership, highlighting the importance of players having a stake in the business side of sports. However, he revealed that earlier attempts to buy into Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) were blocked due to NBA regulations.

The NBA’s restrictions on investments largely stem from conflicts of interest, particularly involving team owners who have stakes in multiple organizations. Paul cited the example of Peter Guber, owner of the Golden State Warriors and other sports franchises, which prevented him from investing in LAFC. Despite repeated discussions with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the policies remained firm, limiting players’ abilities to engage in cross-team or cross-sport ownership ventures. Paul sees this as a missed opportunity for athletes to be part of the growth and value creation in professional sports.

This issue of limited ownership opportunities is not unique to Paul. Other NBA players, including Jaylen Brown, have criticized the league’s stance. Brown argued that players who have contributed significantly to their teams deserve equity shares, especially those with long tenures. He believes that restricting players from owning stakes stifles their ability to build wealth and accumulate value beyond their salaries, likening the situation to corporate employees who earn equity for their contributions.

Paul and others advocate for a shift in how leagues view player investments, wanting athletes to have the chance to participate as owners and partners in the expanding sports business ecosystem. Their perspective underscores the evolving role of professional athletes, not only as competitors but also as influential stakeholders in sports franchises. The conversation highlights ongoing debates about player empowerment, wealth-building, and equity in the sports industry.