Kevin Durant’s decision to join the ownership group of the Philadelphia Union wasn’t just a sporting decision. The Brooklyn Nets star and 10-time NBA All-Star also wants to help out the community in Chester.
“When I found the opportunity to have a conversation with Jay [Sugarman] and Richard [Leibovitch], we talked about MLS as a whole, the sport as a whole, the future of the game, and where they wanted to take it,” Durant told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Seeing how Chester and Philadelphia and that whole area can be impacted by the franchise, I wanted to be a part of it.”
Durant, who visited Chester last December, said a goal is to give back to an area the Union call home. The club’s stadium, Subaru Park, training facility and offices are located in Chester.
“That’s the goal: to pour back into the city that has been so gracious to house the team and give resources to the team," he said. “I think that what we’re doing right now is doing just that, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
Durant said he’s always been intrigued by team ownership and the connection with the community is a big part.
"I've been a fan of the sport, and then seeing how fast the popularity of the league was growing, seeing more fans pop up in different cities around the country, and then seeing how these franchises impact the city's businesses and people individually was very intriguing," Durant told ESPN.
