Jason Kidd has spent his life orchestrating games from the hardwood, first as a Hall of Fame point guard, now as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. But his next move takes him far from the court and into the boardroom. On Thursday, Kidd was announced as the newest member of the Everton ownership group, joining through Roundhouse Capital Holdings, a division of The Friedkin Group, which acquired the Premier League club in December.
The timing is striking. Everton is preparing to leave Goodison Park after more than a century, moving into a $940 million riverfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock by the start of the 2025–26 season. The club, long a fixture of top-flight English football, has endured seasons of struggle and ownership uncertainty. While largely symbolic in a sporting sense, Kidd’s arrival reflects a growing trend: the continued American incursion into European football.
A familiar US-UK crossover playbook
Kidd becomes the latest in a wave of U.S. athletes and investors seeking opportunity abroad. Tom Brady took a minority stake in Birmingham City and became chairman of its advisory board. JJ Watt, a former NFL defensive end, is a stakeholder at Burnley. LeBron James has held a small stake in Liverpool since 2011. And PGA Tour stars Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas joined the ownership consortium behind Leeds United.
Kidd, 52, brings a resume steeped in elite performance. A 10-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and NBA champion, he’s one of the most respected figures in basketball. In his words: “I’m honored to be joining Everton’s ownership at such an important moment. With a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.”
Everton executive chairman Marc Watts called Kidd “an incredible resource,” noting his blend of on-court success and coaching insight. “He’s a respected leader and household name for many sports fans,” Watts said, “and will bring a deeper understanding of high performance as we collectively strive to build a brighter future for this storied club.”
The Friedkin Group, also owners of AS Roma in Italy, has bet heavily on football’s global appeal. In adding Kidd, the group is not only diversifying its portfolio but also signaling ambition. For Everton, which last lifted a major trophy in 1995, the challenge is channeling that ambition into results on the pitch.
