NBA superstar Kevin Durant doesn’t seem to have only the league’s championship aspirations this season. Durant is a minority owner in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team Gotham FC and has often stood in encouragement. In one such instance, the power forward took to Instagram to showcase the team’s 2023 championship ring and voice his support for their title defense, this persisting season.

“Time to run it back @gothamfc,” he wrote in his Instagram stories sharing the image of the ring. This arrives as the team makes its home debut for the season, against Kansas City Current on 14th April at the Red Bull Arena. They currently stand 1-1, ranking 8th, and march ahead in hopes of retaining their title.

The Gotham FC defeated the Seattle Reign FC 1-2 in November last year, to clinch the first NWSL title for the franchise. They had previously made their final appearance in 2021 but fell short of the title, nonetheless, proving stance a couple of years later.

USA Today via Reuters

Gotham FC was a founding member of NWSL but remained undervalued. The dramatic turnaround in 2023, resulting in a championship win, attracted investment. Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, who acquired a stake in the team just before their championship run, sees Gotham FC as a global brand. Comparing it with the likes of Manchester United or the New York Yankees.

Tisch Blodgett isn’t alone in her ambitions. Gotham FC boasts an impressive roster of investors, including sports legends like Eli Manning, Carli Lloyd, and Sue Bird, and Kevin Durant. While Gotham FC’s championship win was a turning point, the real challenge lies in sustaining that success.

Durant’s Championship Aspirations: A Parallel Narrative?

Kevin Durant’s support for Gotham FC holds deep meaning. The superstar shooting guard is still chasing his own championship aspirations with the Phoenix Suns after securing two during his days with the Golden State Warriors.

The Suns are currently holding onto the 7th seed in the NBA, 48-33. Their matchup against the Warriors tomorrow will decide their postseason fate. As Gotham FC makes its run, Durant will stand in hopes of dual celebrations. It will further be interesting to see whether Durant can win a championship with the Suns, or if his investment in Gotham FC will continue to bridge the gap. Nonetheless, we can expect both of them to push hard for glory in their respective domains.