Kobe Bryant Purchases 50 Percent Share Of Italian Pro Basketball Team His Dad Once Played For

Jet, Jan 10, 2000

Kobe Bryant, young, wealthy and talented, is now an international basketball entrepreneur, too.

The Los Angeles Lakers' All-Star guard has bought a half-interest in Olimpia Milano of the Italian league, a storied team in Milan for which his father once played.

"That's my home. That's where I developed a lot of my love for the game. This is something I've always wanted to do, and it's just great that it has happened," said Bryant. "I've always wanted to raise my family in Italy. When my NBA career is over, hopefully I'll be there."

Bryant, 21, spent eight years of his childhood in Italy while his father, Joe, was establishing himself as a basketball star in Italy. Joe Bryant earlier played eight seasons in the NBA with Philadelphia, San Diego and Houston.

The elder Bryant will be executive vice president of the Italian team, with the Bryant family responsible for running the operation. Pasquale Caputo, who bought the team earlier this year, retains 50 percent ownership.

It is believed to be the first time a professional basketball player has acquired a substantial interest in another pro team. NBA players are prohibited from owning a piece of an NBA team.

Bryant, who chipped in more than $1 million of the $4 million paid for the half-interest, plans to spend several weeks each summer in Milan working with his father and with corporate partners, and making appearances.