Ja Morant is making big moves off the court! His company, Catch 12, is reportedly eyeing an ownership stake in a European basketball team. Is the Grizzlies star expanding his empire or signaling something more? This unexpected venture could change the game for his global brand, but what does it mean for his future in Memphis?

Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is reportedly venturing into the lucrative world of international sports ownership, with his business and media company, Catch 12, currently in advanced discussions to acquire a minority stake in a prominent European basketball franchise. This significant off-court development signals a bold strategic move for the two-time NBA All-Star, expanding his influence and investment portfolio far beyond the North American professional basketball landscape.

This intriguing development comes at a pivotal time for the Grizzlies franchise, which has undergone substantial transformations since the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season. Despite holding a postseason position, the organization made the significant decision to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, who holds the distinction of being the winningest coach in the team’s history, signaling a new direction for the Memphis squad.

Further reshaping their roster, the Grizzlies executed a blockbuster trade following their first-round playoff exit, sending sharpshooting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. In return, Memphis acquired veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, dynamic guard Cole Anthony, and a substantial package of four unprotected first-round picks, along with a crucial first-round pick swap. These moves underscore the franchise’s commitment to building around its remaining All-Star core of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

While his teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. secured an extension this offseason, Morant embarked on a highly publicized global tour with Nike, making stops in the Philippines, China, and Japan. This international exposure seemingly sparked an interest in overseas opportunities, culminating in the current reports suggesting a significant foray into European basketball investment through his expanding business enterprise.

According to credible reports, Catch 12, Morant’s entrepreneurial arm, is actively engaged in exploratory talks to secure an ownership stake in a yet-to-be-named European basketball club. This strategic investment reflects Morant’s and Catch 12’s pronounced commitment to broadening his formidable brand and business interests, solidifying his presence in key international markets beyond the United States.

This venture positions Morant among an elite group of active professional athletes who have diversified their financial interests into sports ownership. For instance, Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James holds a significant partnership with Fenway Sports Group, an entity that boasts majority ownership in the iconic Boston Red Sox and the renowned English Premier League club Liverpool FC, demonstrating a similar long-term vision for post-playing career influence.

Grizzlies fans, however, should view this news as an exciting expansion of Ja Morant’s investment portfolio rather than a precursor to his departure from the NBA. Given his standing as one of the league’s premier point guards and the substantial financial commitments tied to his NBA career, a move to play overseas at this stage would be entirely illogical, underscoring his continued dedication to his professional basketball career in the United States.

Ultimately, Morant’s potential acquisition of an ownership stake in a European basketball team represents a shrewd business decision designed to enhance his global brand footprint and diversify his assets. It reinforces his status not just as a prodigious athlete, but also as an astute businessman keenly focused on building a lasting legacy both on and off the court. This strategic move highlights the growing trend of athletes leveraging their platforms for impactful international investments.