Top 10 athletes turned team owners

These athletes have revolutionised the world of sports, on and off the field. While they were setting new benchmarks in their playing career, few would have given them a chance to run the show successfully from behind the scenes.

Here are the select few sporting icons that turned into team owners over the last few years:

10. Michael Jordan – From a mighty Bull to a tame Bobcat

He is one of the greatest athletes America has ever seen but one cannot say the same for his business sense. Michael Jordan, who opted to lead Charlotte Bobcats as a co-owner of the franchise, hasn’t enjoyed any kind of success that was associated with the legend during his playing career.

9. Yao Ming – NBA icon’s Shanghai dream!

In 2010, NBA icon Yao Ming assisted his local team Shanghai Sharks with a US$3 million investment to become the sole-stakeholder of the team. The former Houston Rockets star bailed out China’s most popular basketball team that was facing a steep fall with key sponsors backing out from their financial commitments.

Considering Ming earns around US$30 million a year, he didn’t even think twice before saving the side that propelled his NBA move – and it turned out to be a win-win deal for both the parties.

8. Michu, Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla – A trio that Oviedo could bank upon!

Another noble cause got three Spanish footballers together. Real Oviedo – a club responsible for producing some of the best footballing talents the club has ever seen was nearing an imminent shutdown before Michu, Mata and Cazorla pitched in to seal one of the most popular club bailouts in recent times.

In what was made a public sale of club shares, the three EPL stars stood out for their contributions in lifting a stumbling football side.

7. Michael Owen – From scoring goals to winning races

While the footballing world will remember him for his ability to score vital goals for his club and country, few would know Michael Owen’s command in professional horse-racing business.

Owen owns Manor House Stables, a horse training establishment for marquee races on the English soil. A cattle barn that Michael assumed control in 2007 is currently a training hub the best 30 horses in the country.

In 2011, Owen tasted his first success away from the football field as his home bred horse triumphed in the famous Royal Ascot Championship.

6. Baichung Bhutia – Indian football’s only hope

India’s most successful footballer has always been appreciated for his significant contributions towards the game. Bhutia, who ended his club career at United Sikkim, has also been a co-owner for the upcoming North-Eastern club.

His much needed intervention in the clubs operation and his eye for top-notch talent has accelerated club’s grow dramatically in the past couple of years.

5. Venus and Serena Williams – From tennis sensations to ruling the Dolphins

When New Yorker Stephen Ross acquired full-control of NFL side Miami Dolphins, he found a new way altogether to improve the PR end of the franchise. After selling off a few stakes to celebs like Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony, Ross decided to rope in the Williams sisters – one of the most popular sporting pair in America to own a piece of Dolphins’ pie. The duo became the first Afro-American women to own an NFL team.

4. Ricky Ponting – From Baggy green to English football

Ricky Ponting has certainly been one of the most successful cricketers of all time. However, when it was about putting his money on a particular sport, the former Aussie skipper chose football over his beloved game.

The club, whose chairman Geoff Goodwin was once an Australian team bus driver, has been indebted to Punter for his efforts in raising funds. In 2009, Ponting was invited in a friendly with Manchester United and awarded with 500 shares in recognition for his efforts to improve the state of operations at Altrincham FC.

Ponting has been an active share holder for the past 4 years as he always makes sure to pay a visit to the Greater Manchester side during his summer breaks.

3. Lebron James –Going all Red!

Unlike Michael Jordan, Lebron decided to go big with his money. Thanks to his contacts with the Fenway Sports Group, he decided to put his money on one of the most successful European football clubs of all time – Liverpool FC.

The basketball sensation has been associated to the Merseyside club for the past 2 years and he’s played a crucial role in branding the club’s identity in North America.

2. Andres Iniesta – Albacete’s knight in shining armor

Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta was recently hogging the limelight for bailing out his youth club Albacete from what would have been a state of bankruptcy. The Spanish international rescued the club from its debts with a donation of £200,000, adding to the £400,000 he injected to the club finances in 2011.

Iniesta still remains the highest stakeholder in the club.

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Motorsports dominated ‘Mahi’ Way

Whatever this man touches turns into gold – and not just on the cricket field. MSD stepped up his passion for bike-racing on the professional avenue as he introduced ‘Mahi Racing Team India’ on FIM Supersport World Championship arena in 2012.

And Indian skipper’s efforts to build a winning team haven’t failed either. The team has been competing consistently in racking up major honors in the Championship and has impressed the onlookers since its introduction to the big league.