Jaylen Brown is expanding his influence beyond the court, stepping into ownership alongside Tracy McGrady in a move that blends basketball, business, and culture.

McGrady revealed to ClutchPoints that Brown will serve as owner and general manager of Team Atlanta in his Ones Basketball League (OBL), making him the first active NBA player to both own and operate a franchise in the competition.

Brown’s connection to Atlanta made the decision even more natural. The Celtics star grew up just 20 miles from downtown, giving him a deep understanding of the city’s basketball culture and community.

McGrady said, “Jaylen is obviously a star in Boston, but he knows what makes Atlanta special. And he will be able to juggle helping pick his OBL squad with his playoff time.” He added, “They won’t conflict. They will really be complementary and will, again, show what a special leader he is.”

Brown joins a diverse ownership group that bridges basketball and culture, including Vince Carter, Tim Hardaway Sr., rapper Jadakiss, and actor Larenz Tate. The group reflects McGrady’s intentional effort to bring more Black ownership and influence into the sports landscape.

The timing also aligns with a broader shift in basketball. With 3×3 now an Olympic format and new ventures gaining traction, McGrady sees an opportunity to bring one-on-one basketball back into the spotlight — focusing on creativity, skill, and individuality.

The OBL returns after a hiatus since 2022, launching its “Battle of the Cities” format in May. Eight teams will compete, each featuring three players in high-intensity one-on-one matchups designed to spotlight pure skill.

What makes Jaylen Brown an ideal fit for the league?

Before Brown’s addition, the league had already assembled a wide-ranging ownership group spanning both NBA veterans and cultural figures — from former stars like John Wall and Muggsy Bogues to entertainment voices shaping cities like New York and Chicago. Brown now fills the final spot, representing Atlanta’s deep-rooted one-on-one basketball culture.

This move positions Brown as a key ambassador for the league’s vision. While he won’t suit up as a player, his presence as an owner and decision-maker gives him influence in shaping both the competition and its cultural impact.

Thus, following in the footsteps of WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, founders of Unrivaled League, Brown is getting in on the ground level of a project that celebrates one-on-one basketball. Most importantly, Brown is expanding his brand and supporting causes he believes in.

Brown’s move mirrors a growing trend of active players stepping into ownership roles early — similar to how Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier built the Unrivaled League. For Brown, this isn’t just about business. It’s about shaping what basketball looks like off the court — and who gets to lead it.