- Ben Simmons purchased majority ownership of the South Florida Sails in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).
- The NBA free agent says he’s rehabbing and training daily and could be ready to sign around the All-Star break.
- Simmons compares the SFC’s model to F1/LIV Golf and wants to grow sport fishing’s profile in Miami.
H2: NBA star turns owner — for now
Ben Simmons, the three-time NBA All-Star and 2018 Rookie of the Year, has a new team — just not in the NBA. The 28-year-old (turning 30 in 2026) signed on as the majority owner and operator of the South Florida Sails, one of 16 clubs competing in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC), a professional offshore saltwater fishing league founded in 2021.
Simmons told Andscape he sees the SFC as a high-profile, competitive circuit, likening it to “the new F1 for fishing” and “the new LIV Golf for fishing.” The league awards points across tournaments for catches such as white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish, culminating in a season champion.
H3: Why Miami and sport fishing?
Simmons said the opportunity came while he was in Miami and resonated with his long-held passion for fishing. He described owning the South Florida Sails as a chance to connect the Miami-to-Keys fishing community, offer hospitality experiences around the sport, and build local engagement. Simmons owns a 53-foot Scout center console and runs “The Real One Fishing Club,” and said he plans to be hands-on in growing the franchise.
“Fishing is niche — but once you experience it, you’re in awe,” Simmons said. He emphasized the skill and endurance required for offshore tournaments, noting anglers compete on million-dollar vessels and spend days at sea.
H3: NBA future still a focus
Although Simmons is investing in sport fishing, his NBA return remains a priority. The guard has been out of the league since being cut by the Brooklyn Nets and then playing limited minutes for the Los Angeles Clippers last season while managing back issues. Over nine NBA seasons with Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Simmons has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists across 383 regular-season games.
He says he is doing two-a-day basketball, strength and rehab sessions six days a week in Los Angeles and feels he’s “turning a corner” physically. Simmons suggested he could be healthy enough to sign with an NBA team around the All-Star break if progress continues, but he prefers waiting until he reaches peak condition rather than occupying a roster spot while limited.
H4: Off-court moves and reflection
Simmons recently reunited with agent Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, citing trust and mutual respect. He reflected on the highs and lows of his career — from All-Star selections to injuries and a well-publicized holdout in Philadelphia — and said the time away has given him perspective. He also stressed that being reserved sometimes works for and against him, but confirmed he’s motivated to compete again.
Whether on the water or courting an NBA comeback, Simmons says he’s “not done” and plans to keep building in arenas that matter to him: basketball, team ownership and fishing.
Image Referance: https://andscape.com/features/ben-simmons-nba/
