The world of sports is vast and diverse, with each sport having its own unique set of rules, regulations, and fanbase. While some sports may seem completely unrelated, there are often surprising connections between them.
One such connection that may surprise you is the link between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and horse racing.
Yes, the oldest sport in the world, Horse Racing shares many connections with the NBA. Even though their history is totally different, many of the people involved in these two sports share similar passions.
Additionally, horse racing is often viewed as a business rather than just a sport, which is why many wealthy athletes, not just from the NBA consider investing in horse racing. After all, making money is still important even though NBA stars make millions every year.
However, we are interested in the connection between these sports, and how they bring people together to achieve great things.
Believe it or not, NBA players and horse racing have crossed paths on several occasions. In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways in which these seemingly unrelated sports have intertwined over the years.
NBA Players as Horse Owners
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that several NBA players have been involved in horse racing as owners.
One of the most well-known examples is Michael Jordan, who famously co-owned (invested) in a horse named “Warrior’s Reward” that competed in the 2011 Kentucky Derby. While the horse didn’t win, it certainly garnered plenty of attention thanks to Jordan’s involvement.
Other NBA players who have dabbled in horse ownership include LeBron James, who owns a stake in the racehorse “Dream Tree,” and Steph Curry, who is a co-owner of a filly named “Lady Soleil.”
While these players may be more famous for their skills on the basketball court, their involvement in horse racing shows that they have diverse interests outside of the game.
NBA Teams and Horse Racing Sponsorships
In addition to individual players, several NBA teams have also been involved in horse racing sponsorships.
For example, the Miami Heat teamed up with Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino to create the “Heat Charity Racing Series,” which features a series of horse races benefiting various charities.
Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers have partnered with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to create the “Lakers Mile,” a horse race that takes place annually at the Del Mar racetrack.
The race is a favorite among Lakers fans and is a fun way for the team to connect with their supporters outside of basketball season.
NBA and Horse Racing Crossovers
While the NBA and horse racing may seem like two completely different worlds, there have been several instances where the two have crossed over.
For example, in 2019, the NBA partnered with the Breeders’ Cup to create a limited edition line of team-inspired hats featuring the logos of various NBA teams.
Additionally, former NBA player and current TV analyst Shaquille O’Neal has been known to participate in Kentucky Derby betting games, often dressed in his signature flashy style. In 2020, Shaq even served as a celebrity guest picker for the Kentucky Derby, lending his expert opinion to the horse racing world.
To Sum Up
Even though the NBA and Horse Racing might seem like two different worlds coming from different galaxies, they somehow crossed paths on multiple occasions.
From NBA players dabbling in horse ownership to teams partnering with horse racing organizations, there are several ways in which these two worlds have intersected.
So the next time you’re watching a basketball game or attending a horse race, remember that there may be more connections between these sports than you initially realized.