Kobe Bryant continues to prepare for life after basketball by teaming with Derek Jeter to take on traditional sports media.
The Lakers star invested a "significant" amount of money in Jeter's "The Players' Tribune" website, Forbes reported Tuesday.
Kobe Bryant Disappointed In Master P's Remarks About His Visit To Lamar Odom
"Los Angeles Lakers' superstar Kobe Bryant and New York Yankees' legend Derek Jeter have joined forces at The Players' Tribune to bring the rapidly-growing media brand to a brand new and exciting level," Forbes reported.
"Today, The Players' Tribune announced the successful close of its Series B financing, totaling $15 million. Kobe Bryant, who has been involved with the platform since December 2014, has made a significant investment through his investment firm."
Derek Jeter Makes Appearance In Caroline Wozniacki's Box At U.S. Open
It is Bryant's hope that The Players' Tribune helps athletes bypass mainstream media and get their own messages across to their fans and the general public.
"There is inherent value in speaking directly to an audience vs. filtering your point of view through the lens of someone else," Bryant told Forbes. "... Through my investment company, we look to help grow media and tech companies that challenge their industries. The Players' Tribune disrupted the status quo by giving a platform to athletes.
"I believe we are at the start of a revolution when it comes to people owning their stories and using them to build their businesses. The Players' Tribune is just the beginning and I wanted to be a part of what Derek and his team have started to build.
"Creatively, there are an infinite number of ways to tell a story. I look forward to helping the team bring stories to the fans through different mediums."
Jeter, the longtime Yankees star, said he has been after Kobe Bryant to become a significant contributor to the website since its inception."
"I asked Kobe to get involved from the beginning and contribute content, Jeter said. "And later, after having a full understanding of what we were doing, he wanted to get more involved in the business. Besides being a phenomenal athlete, mentor and leader on the court, he's a respected voice and figure in the global sports community. He's a great connector, a savvy businessman, and a successful investor. Who wouldn't want him on their team?"
How Jeter and Bryant affect the coverage of professional athletes will be interesting to monitor in the next few years.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
