In a surprising career pivot, former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has decided to delay his return to professional basketball in order to pursue a new venture as a professional fishing team owner.
From the Hardwood to the High Seas
The 29-year-old athlete, whose last appearance in the league was for the Los Angeles Clippers on 13 April, has acquired a team in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC). His new outfit, the South Florida Sails, will compete in the elite offshore saltwater fishing series, which was founded in 2021 and features 16 top angling clubs.
Simmons, a three-time NBA All-Star between 2019 and 2021, concluded a brief stint with the Clippers on a minimum one-year contract worth $1.1 million. Over a nine-year career that began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, the player has amassed career earnings totalling a staggering $203 million, with subsequent moves to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 and finally the Clippers.
"No Point in Wasting a Spot"
When questioned about a potential return to the NBA this season, Simmons was candid about his motivations. "I don’t think there’s any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there," he stated. "I think that’s a little selfish. … But I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete. Otherwise, it doesn’t really serve me any purpose."
He indicated that fans might not see him back on court until the midway point of the current season, or potentially not until the following campaign.
A Passion for a "Niche" and "Gritty" Sport
Simmons has frequently showcased his enthusiasm for fishing on social media and elaborated on its appeal in a recent interview. "It’s a very niche sport," Simmons explained. "And if you don’t know, you don’t know. But once you experience it and get out there and see what it’s about, you’re kind of in awe."
He detailed the technical depth and scale of professional competition, noting, "These guys are fishing on million-dollar vessels, and they’re out for days at a time. So, it’s tedious and gritty, but a lot of fun. It’s one of those worlds where you just got to kind of experience it, get into it and see what it’s about."
This move marks a significant and unexpected detour for one of basketball's most discussed figures, trading the roar of the arena for the open ocean as he captains his new venture in the competitive world of professional sport fishing.
