US basketball legend Jason Kidd is the latest addition to the Everton FC ownership group, the club announces. Tony McDonough reports
In what has been a busy week for Everton FC’s new owners US basketball legend Jason Kidd is the latest big name to become a backer of the Blues.
Kidd, a two-time Olympic gold medal winner and current head coach of NBA outfit the Dallas Mavericks, has joined Roundhouse Capital Holdings, part of The Friedkin Group which took over Everton in late 2024.
In December it was announced that the US-based The Friedkin Group had acquired a 98.8% stake in Everton from Farhad Moshiri via Roundhouse its London-based investment vehicle. It also converted the club’s debt into equity.
Earlier this week it was revealed that US financial specialist and billionaire, Christopher Sarofim, had joined Roundhouse as a “board observer”. He is chairman of the global investment manager, Fayez Sarofim & Co, which has £31bn of assets under management.
A 10-time NBA All-Star, Kidd is regarded as one of the best players of his generation. As a player, he won the 2011 NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks and was a two-time Olympic gold medal winner with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008.
As a head coach, he had spells at the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks before joining the Mavericks in 2021 and leading them to the Western Conference Championship in 2024.
“I’m honoured 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.” he said.
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Everton executive chairman, Marc Watts, added: “On behalf of The Friedkin Group and the Everton board of directors, I am pleased to welcome Jason to our ownership group.
“As one of the NBA’s greatest players and now a successful coach, his knowledge and winning mentality will be an incredible resource for Everton.
“He is a respected leader and household name for many sports fans and will bring a deeper understanding of high performance as we collectively strive to build a brighter future for this storied club.”