In a surprising career pivot, NBA star Ben Simmons has taken a majority ownership stake in a professional sport fishing franchise while simultaneously plotting his return to professional basketball. The former Philadelphia 76ers guard, currently a free agent, revealed his new venture as the controlling operator of the South Florida Sails in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).
From NBA Courts to Open Waters: Simmons' New Sporting Passion
In an exclusive conversation with Marc J. Spears, senior NBA writer for Andscape, Simmons detailed his new role from his South Florida rental. The SFC is a professional offshore saltwater fishing league where 16 teams compete in a season-long points format across the United States, targeting big-game fish. Simmons passionately described the league as an innovative sporting endeavour.
"The way I see it, it's like the new F1 [Formula 1] for fishing. The new LIV Golf for fishing," Simmons told Spears. He emphasized the niche appeal of the sport, adding, "It's a very niche sport. 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."
The opportunity aligned perfectly with his lifestyle, as he spends considerable time in Miami and on the ocean. He joins a growing list of celebrity SFC owners that includes pro golfers Scottie Scheffler and Talor Gooch, NFL legends Randy Moss and Raheem Mostert, country music artist Brian Kelley, and NASCAR racer Austin Dillon.
Rigorous Rehab and a Patient Path Back to the NBA
Despite this new business venture, Simmons was adamant that his basketball career is not over. This season marks his first absence from the NBA since being drafted first overall in 2016. After a stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in the latter half of the previous season, he is now an unrestricted free agent.
The three-time All-Star, who has battled persistent back and nerve issues for years, is undertaking a strenuous rehabilitation program. He disclosed that he is working out six days a week in Los Angeles, focusing on strength, mobility, and rehabilitation with rigorous two-a-day sessions.
"I don't believe it's just [about] getting on a team," Simmons stated, outlining his philosophy for a return. "So, if I were to play right now, I think I'd fit right into the NBA just given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can to the game. I don't think there's any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there." He called such an approach "a little selfish," acknowledging it as part of the business but not his path.
A Strategic Comeback Timeline
Simmons expressed a clear, patient strategy for his NBA return, prioritizing peak physical and mental condition over a rushed signing. "For me, I'm very blessed to not have to be in that situation where I need to fight right now," he said. "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."
Based on his current progress, Simmons suggested a potential timeline for his return. He believes if his improvement continues, he could sign with a team around the All-Star break or even later in the upcoming season. This follows a difficult period after his tumultuous exit from the 76ers, where injuries with the Brooklyn Nets prevented him from recapturing his All-Star form.
While Ben Simmons casts his line into the competitive world of professional sport fishing, his eyes remain firmly fixed on an eventual comeback to the hardwood, but only when he is fully prepared to contribute at the highest level.
