Australian basketball star Ben Simmons is casting his net into a new sporting venture while his future in the NBA remains on hold. The former number one draft pick has become the controlling owner of a professional fishing team, marking a significant move into a niche but growing sport.
From the Hardwood to the High Seas
Ben Simmons, the 29-year-old from Melbourne, has purchased an ownership stake and taken on the role of controlling operator for the South Florida Sails. The team competes in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC), a league Simmons enthusiastically describes as the "new LIV Golf for fishing" or even "the new F1 for fishing."
This investment comes at a pivotal time in Simmons' basketball career. Currently without an NBA roster spot, he continues to grapple with persistent back injuries that have sidelined him. Despite this, he maintains a rigorous training regimen with hopes of securing a contract during the current season.
A Lifelong Passion for the Sport
Simmons' love for fishing is not a new hobby. He traces its origins back to his childhood growing up in Newcastle, Australia. He is an avid angler who frequently shares his impressive catches on social media.
In an interview with Andscape, Simmons explained the appeal of the SFC, which features a 16-team league competing in various tournaments. "It's the first real competitive sport fishing championship," he said. The competition uses a point-scoring system targeting species like white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, and striped marlin.
He acknowledges the sport's niche appeal but is captivated by its depth. "It's a very niche sport. And if you don't know, you don't know," Simmons stated. "But once you experience it and get out there and see what it's about, you're kind of in awe of what the sport is." He highlighted the technical skill, endurance, and significant investment involved, with teams operating from million-dollar vessels on multi-day trips.
Celebrity Investors and Basketball Crossroads
Simmons is in notable company with his new venture. Other celebrity investors in the Sport Fishing Championship include world number one golfer Scottie Scheffler, NFL legends Randy Moss and Raheem Mostert, and country music singer Brian Kelley.
This foray into fishing business does not signal the end of his basketball ambitions. The three-time NBA All-Star and 2018 Rookie of the Year is determined to return to the court. His recent years have been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 18 games with the LA Clippers last season, following a tumultuous exit from the Philadelphia 76ers and a stint with the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons has also repeatedly expressed a desire to represent Australia with the Boomers in major international tournaments, though he has consistently withdrawn from contention prior to competition over the past 12 years.
For now, as he rehabilitates, Ben Simmons is navigating a new competitive world on the water, bringing his profile to a sport he describes as "tedious and gritty, but a lot of fun."
