NBA Star John Wall Joins SEM Phoenix Ownership Group

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

NBA superstar John Wall has joined the ownership group of the NBL’s South East Melbourne Phoenix.

A nine-year NBA star with the Washington Wizards, Wall is a former #1 NBA draft pick, a five-time NBA all-star, NBA all-defensive second team 2015, and runner-up Rookie of the Year in 2011.

His investment in the Phoenix is another strong endorsement of the NBL as one of the best leagues in the world outside of the NBA and of the Phoenix’s standing in the wider basketball world.

Led by Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari, Wall joins an ownership group stacked with past NBA stars including Zach Randolph, Josh Childress, AL Harrington and current Cleveland Cavalier’s guard and Boomers star Dante Exum.

“It is a privilege to have John join the Phoenix ownership group,” said Chaudhari. “I had the chance to spend some time with him, and he is wonderful to work with. I am proud to have him as part of our ownership group. I look forward to watching John grow as an entrepreneur and to seeing him have an extremely successful upcoming NBA season. He has worked very hard getting himself ready and I can’t wait to watch him play again.”

“I’m so excited to be coming on board with the Phoenix,” Wall said. “I love the vision that both Romie and Tommy have shared with me and am really impressed with what they’ve been able to create over the first season. I know there is plenty I can contribute to the growth of the franchise and I’m especially looking forward to getting down to South East Melbourne and meeting the team and the fans when travel restrictions are lifted.”

"Adding another current NBA player to our ownership group is extremely exciting for us as an organisation," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said. "It's a testament to Romie's vision for the club and just how much the club has been able to achieve over its first season.”

Basketball has skyrocketed in Australia, with the sport more popular than ever and worldwide recognition at an all-time high. The direction of the NBL and Australian basketball globally was a significant factor behind the investment from the NBA star.