The Serie A giant has confirmed to The Associated Press that Garnett accepted an offer from James Pallotta, one of the four Boston executives that completed a deal in August to become the first foreign majority owners of an Italian top flight club. Pallotta is also a minority owner of the Celtics and Garnett could be used in the promotion of the Roma brand in the United States.
Roma president Thomas DiBenedetto last year revealed that the club had identified potential sites for a new stadium as it sought a move from its current Stadio Olimpico home, while the club’s new owners remain determined to develop its international fan base. The new ownership group, which is 60% owned by DiBenedetto’s investors and 40% owned by Italian bank UniCredit, acquired a 67% stake of Roma for Eur60 million. Roma currently sits sixth in Serie A, 10 points behind leader Juventus.
Garnett is said to be a knowledgeable football fan, is close with leading players such as Chelsea forward Didier Drogba, and plays the sport as part of his close-season conditioning programme. Miami Heat superstar LeBron James last year acquired a minority stake in Barclays Premier League club Liverpool through his company LRMR Branding & Marketing. Garnett’s investment in Roma will require approval from the NBA.