- Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Jr. joined a $3B luxury rental portfolio and invested heavily in affordable housing and office properties, solidifying his transition from boxing to real estate mogul.
- Retired NBA player Manu Ginobili partnered with fellow Argentinians for a $337M mixed-use project in Miami-Dade County, featuring a soccer stadium and other sports-related facilities.
- Jonathan Vilma, Mo Vaughn, and Taj Gibson launched or expanded affordable housing projects, while NBA brothers Tobias and Terry Harris are targeting East Hollywood for a 90-unit complex.
While their athletic careers have made them household names, many sports stars are proving that their competitive drive extends far beyond the field, court, or squared circle.
According to The Real Deal, in 2024, athletes like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manu Ginobili, and Jonathan Vilma have entered the real estate arena with bold investments and innovative projects. From luxury developments to affordable housing, these ventures highlight how professional athletes leverage their wealth and fame to build lasting legacies off the playing field.
From the Ring to Real Estate
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has made a big splash in the real estate world by committing $100M in equity to a $3B luxury rental portfolio in partnership with Go Partners.
His other ventures include the $402M purchase of an affordable housing portfolio in New York’s Morningside Heights and a stake in the iconic Versace Mansion, now a boutique hotel. His moves highlight his ambition to dominate a new arena: high-stakes real estate.
Ginobili’s Game-Changer in Miami
Manu Ginobili, the retired San Antonio Spurs star, has teamed up with other Argentine athletes for a transformative $337M project in Miami-Dade County.
The ambitious development includes a soccer stadium, a basketball facility, sports medicine, student housing, and even a hotel. With preliminary approvals secured, Ginobili’s venture is poised to redefine regional mixed-use developments.
Affordable Housing on the Radar
Several other athletes are stepping into affordable housing:
- Jonathan Vilma proposed a 102-unit apartment complex with an attached church building in Palm Beach County, partnering with the West Palm Beach Seventh Day Baptist Church.
- Mo Vaughn, a seasoned real estate developer, partnered on a 147-unit apartment building in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. Vaughn’s Omni America has a strong track record in affordable housing, bringing credibility to this venture.
- Taj Gibson, nearing the end of his NBA career, launched GFB Development, which is planning a “transformational project” in Brooklyn.
NBA’s Harris Brothers Innovate in East Hollywood
Visionary Development Group, led by Tobias and Terry Harris, filed plans for a seven-story affordable housing complex in East Hollywood. The project, which will replace a laundromat, demonstrates the brothers’ commitment to addressing housing challenges while building their real estate credentials.
Why It Matters
Athletes transitioning into real estate capitalize on their wealth and influence, creating opportunities beyond sports. Their involvement in projects ranging from affordable housing to mixed-use developments highlights a growing trend of leveraging fame for impactful investments.
The success of these ventures could inspire more athletes to enter the real estate sector. With significant market opportunities and a platform for social impact, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
Get Smarter about what matters in CRE
Stay ahead of trends in commercial real estate with CRE Daily – the free newsletter delivering everything you need to start your day in just 5-minutes
