@donkeypong, too many times, sports stars have faded to obscurity when their careers come to an end, after a bad divorce or poorly thought out investment plan. There are so many sports stars living broke in the world today because they didn't think properly about the endgame.
What Joe Lacob is offering his team is pension, something other clubs cannot offer. When the deals and endorsements are no longer forthcoming and you can no longer flip the balls or find the net, you will still have your investment yielding interest, bringing profit, you will still be relevant. That will make anyone sign cheap deals with the man.
The business model is worthy of emulation. They are winning titles, they are making money, everybody is happy; what's not to love.
Correct. It's like a pension and a second career, plus a nice sideline now.
Well it is a brilliant idea that I think other sporting establishments should emulate. Even if they cannot provide access to the Silicon Valley community, they can provide financial advice for the players, bring in people who care about these men and women and not out to rip them off, to teach them how to invest their money for the times when the source of their wealth would cease.
It is quite painful to live in so much ease, with the adoration of fans, then to suddenly find yourself homeless. It just sucks.