It’s no secret that Grant Hill had an impressive NBA career, but what came after was even more extraordinary. From USA Basketball’s Managing Director to co-owning stakes in NBA, MLS, and NWSL teams, Hill’s post-career arc has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet, despite his accomplishments, there’s one opportunity that still haunts him—a missed chance that could have positioned him as a rival to none other than billionaire NBA icon Magic Johnson.

Grant Hill recently sat down with Bloomberg Live, and when the topic of WNBA investments came up, his answer took everyone by surprise. “Yeah, well, I mean, full disclosure, I tried to look into buying the [Atlanta] Dream back in 2017, and that didn’t quite work out,” Hill admitted during the interview. So what is this rivalry between Hill and Johnson? And how did the failed deal impact the rivalry?

Just like Hill, Magic Johnson also has ownership stakes in numerous sports franchises. With stakes in five major teams, including the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and the NFL’s Washington Commanders, the 5x NBA champion has solidified his dominance in sports ownership. Hill, on the other hand, owns shares in just three teams. If the Dream deal had gone through, Hill would’ve significantly closed the gap between him and Johnson.

“I wish I could go back to 2017,” he said, reflecting on the growing popularity of women’s basketball, fueled by stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Despite the missed opportunity, Hill hasn’t given up on his dream of investing. “I mean, look, I would love it. My daughters are athletes. I have a women’s or a girls’ youth basketball program in central Florida. So, I’m a big believer in women’s sports,” he shared.

From his NBA days to his ventures off the court, Hill’s journey is far from over, and who knows? He might just catch up to Magic Johnson after all.

Grant Hill’s path to owning sports teams

Grant Hill might not have Magic Johnson’s billionaire status, but he’s not exactly sitting on the sidelines. With a net worth hovering around $250 million, Hill and his wife, Tamia, have been smartly investing in the sports world as they’ve carved out ownership stakes in several teams.

Since 2015, Hill’s been making moves with the Atlanta Hawks, not just as an owner but as vice chairman of the team’s board. But he wasn’t content with just one team under his belt. In 2023, Hill and Tamia upped the ante, buying into Orlando City SC in MLS and the Orlando Pride in NWSL—further solidifying their spot in the sports ownership game. However, not every play has been a slam dunk.

Hill’s recent bid for the LA Clippers came painfully close but ultimately fell short. “We made a strong attempt for the Clippers that we thought was pretty aggressive, but in the end, we came up short,” Hill shared on CNBC’s Fast Money Halftime Report. Falling just $0.8 million shy of the winning bid, it’s a close call that underscores both the risks and rewards of trying to break into the exclusive club of major sports owners.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.