Curry exploring ownership stake in hometown Panthers

OAKLAND, California - As a longtime fan of the Carolina Panthers, Stephen Curry is "absolutely" interested in having an ownership stake in the National Football League franchise.

Curry reminds everyone his day job is as a star of the Golden State Warriors, so he wouldn't be the kind of handson owner flying cross-country each week to attend major meetings.

But the two-time NBA MVP has people helping him explore options to buy into the Panthers, which Jerry Richardson announced he would sell while he is under investigation for sexual and racial misconduct in the workplace.

"It's a pretty interesting opportunity," Curry said after Monday's shootaround.

"I've had conversations with plenty of people about the right way to go about it and kind of the different approaches I could personally take.

"Obviously, I have a day job but I've got people that are plugged in and trying to see how to make that happen. I've had nothing really to say about it besides that I'm absolutely very interested and very willing to do what it takes to make that happen."

In fact, he has spoken to hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs about the idea of them going in on the team together.

Last summer, Curry signed a five-year, $201 million contract with the Warriors. He has helped Golden State win championships in two of the past three seasons, with a runner-up to Cleveland in 2016.

Curry called it "pretty special" to see Combs' interest, saying: "He's a phenomenal businessman and a guy that's turned nothing into a lot and done an amazing job of anything he wants to go after. His track record's pretty strong in making that happen."

The Panthers have been on Diddy's radar for some time and Curry appreciates his connection to Carolina.

While Curry has never met unemployed, civil activist quarterback Colin Kaepernick, there has already been talk of him being part of it.

Curry said "it's still early" in the ownership exploration process.

"I'm a fan first and foremost and I've been a fan since I was 7 when they showed up in Charlotte, so to be able to be a part of something that represents Charlotte so well in my hometown, I know a lot of the guys that play for the team and what they represent," said Curry, who on Monday was named Western Conference Player of the Week.

"Mainly from it being the team that represents Charlotte on the national scale and something that I could plug into my hometown vibe is a huge part of it."

Associated Press