“Outside of the U.S., I classify as an American, inside, I classify as Black” – Isiah Thomas details his champagne, cannabis business ventures

NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas recently spoke about his multiple business ventures.

Thomas played in the NBA for 14 seasons and was a 12-time All-Star who won two NBA titles. He started off with multiple business ventures around 1990, and has since developed a diverse portfolio that includes holdings in multiple sectors. Appearing on the “SHOWTIME” YouTube series, Thomas spoke in detail about his various business ventures and how being Black only matters in the United States.

Thomas said that he owns 200 acres in the old region of Champagne, France, and that his company is the largest Black-owned champagne company from the US. It is also the largest US-based first-press champagne company.

As of 2020, Isiah Thomas’ net worth was estimated to be over $16 million. Apart from his business ventures and sporting career, he also works as an analyst for NBA TV.

Speaking about being black as a US-based businessman, Isiah Thomas said:

“The only time they say they are white is when they come back to the United States. The only time I say I am Black is when we come back to the United States. Outside of the United States, there are no minority classifications in terms of business. Outside of the U.S., I classify as an American, inside, I classify as Black”

Isiah Thomas is a successful business mogul

Isiah Thomas also spoke about the One World sustainable cannabis and hemp company that he owns. The NBA legend claims that his worldwide presence has made it easier for him to do business outside of his country. However, considering that Thomas started off with businesses back in 1990 when he was still playing, he is often looked at as an NBA pioneer, alongside Michael Jordan.

The 12-time All-Star also revealed that his company, Isiah International, works in three major spheres. This includes green energy, champagne, sustainable hemp and cannabis. The holding company was formed in 1990 and has a diversified portfolio with Thomas at its helm.

Speaking about why his company chose to produce their products indigenously, the Detroit Pistons legend spoke like a true businessman:

“One World products, why we chose to cultivate in Colombia, is the same reason why we chose France for champagne. The soil, the sun and the farmers and the workers you work with in terms of the indigenous farmers and growers. In Colombia right now, we partner with the Afro-Colombia community there, and have been granted 1.2 million acres of land to grow industrial hemp.”

Needless to say, Isiah Thomas has managed to build a business empire that is only going to increase in size and volume in the coming years.