Carmelo Anthony Eyes Ownership of Washington Wizards, Promises Fan-Centric Approach

WASHINGTON, D.C. – NBA legend Carmelo Anthony announced his aspiration to buy the Washington Wizards during a recent episode of his podcast, ‘7 PM in Brooklyn.’ The 40-year-old former All-Star expressed his desire to bring a new culture to the team, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the fan experience and community connection.

“I want to buy the Wizards. I would be a great owner,” Anthony stated. He underscored his experience as a former player, saying, “I understand players. I understand personnel, I understand being strategic and how to build teams. I also understand what I don’t understand. You have to put people in those positions, like President and GM, to cover that with a business model.”

Anthony’s comments come as the Wizards currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a dismal 16-59 record, their last playoff appearance dating back to the 2020-21 season. With a fanbase eager for change, his vision could mark a pivotal shift in the team’s trajectory.

During the podcast, Anthony elaborated on his strategy for ownership, highlighting the need for direct engagement with fans. He criticized the common practice among owners who delegate fan experience to third parties without genuine involvement. “A lot of owners don’t put that work in to create fan experience,” he noted. “You need to create a complete experience, beginning from when fans walk down the street to the arena. You have to have the right personnel in business roles, like contracts and scouting, who truly understand the community.”

In addition to making games more accessible and enjoyable, Anthony proposed initiatives such as open practice sessions, community days for fans, and regular interaction with former players to rekindle the connection between the team and its supporters. “You’ve got to get back into the community,” he emphasized. “Bring the fans to practice, have Wizards Day—a free event so the fans can engage with the players and the franchise.”

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Wizards, is reportedly considering selling a portion of its holdings, presenting an opportunity for potential bids. Billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs has been mentioned as a major stakeholder looking to reduce her stake by about 10 percent. While discussions are in their early stages, Anthony’s proactive approach and genuine regard for fan culture set him apart as a prospective owner.

As the discussion about the Wizards continues, Anthony’s vision for a fan-centric model may resonate well with a fanbase longing for renewed enthusiasm. His extensive NBA experience could play a crucial role in transforming not just the Wizards’ on-court performance, but their off-court community connection as well.