Durant's Early AI Investment Could Yield Over $60 Million
Kevin Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman invested $250,000 in Hugging Face during its seed and Series A rounds, according to insider Joe Pompliano. With Nvidia reportedly acquiring the AI company for $12.9 billion, Durant's stake could be worth more than $60 million. The payout is unconfirmed, but Durant, who has earned $501.1 million in NBA career salary, is positioned for a significant windfall.
Durant and Kleiman’s early bets on Hugging Face, totaling $250,000 across two funding rounds, predate the AI firm’s explosive growth. The reported $12.9 billion acquisition by Nvidia would mark a staggering return, though the exact stake remains undisclosed. Durant’s investment history includes a public social media post in 2017, signaling his long-term interest in tech ventures beyond basketball.
The potential windfall adds to Durant’s substantial on-court earnings, which exceed $500 million in career salary. With a current $43.9 million contract and a $46.1 million player option for 2027-28, his financial portfolio is robust. As he approaches his 38th birthday and contemplates retirement, this investment could provide a significant post-playing cushion, complementing his basketball legacy.
This story could reshape how athletes approach early-stage investing, highlighting the potential for tech stakes to rival or exceed sports salaries. Durant’s example may encourage more players to seek venture opportunities, though such outcomes are rare and carry risk. The reported payout, if confirmed, could also influence public perception of athlete wealth and financial literacy, potentially inspiring broader interest in startup funding among younger generations.