DENZEL WARD JOINS TRAVIS KELCE AS MINORITY OWNER OF CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

Denzel Ward, a cornerback for the Cleveland Browns, has purchased a minority ownership stake in the Cleveland Guardians baseball franchise, according to reports from September 8th. Ward bought his stake under the ownership structure of vice chairman David Blitzer, who holds a 35% share in the team. Travis Kelce, an NFL player, had previously purchased a minority stake in May. Both men now sit alongside Blitzer and Paul Dolan in the Guardians' ownership group.

The Guardians are valued between $1.66 billion and $1.7 billion, though the exact size of Ward's stake has not been disclosed and is described as a small portion of Blitzer's share. Ward was drafted fourth overall by the Cleveland Browns and grew up in Northeast Ohio. In a statement, Ward said: "Cleveland is my hometown. I'm so blessed to be able to show up for this city on the field and now as a part of the Guardians organisation. I couldn't be more grateful to the Dolan family and David Blitzer for the opportunity to continue to pour into this community and give back to the best fans in the world."

Ward's investment reflects a broader pattern of professional athletes acquiring ownership stakes in sports franchises to build wealth beyond their playing careers. Patrick Mahomes holds a stake in the Kansas City Royals, whilst LeBron James and Serena Williams have invested in global sports franchises. The addition of Ward and Kelce represents what has been characterised as a new wave of athlete-owners in Major League Baseball.