NBA Stars and Tennis Pros: The Unlikely Yanks Who Turned Mallorca into LaLiga Survivors
A group of American sports stars including NBA legend Steve Nash, Warriors coach Steve Kerr, tennis pro Andy Kohlberg and ex-US midfielder Stu Holden have transformed RCD Mallorca from a third-tier side into LaLiga staples over the past decade. Bought for $23.86m in 2016 amid financial woes, the club has survived relegations, promotions and reached the 2024 Copa del Rey final. Their shared athlete ethos and island appeal fuel the dream.
NBA Stars and Tennis Pros: The Unlikely Yanks Who Turned Mallorca into LaLiga Survivors
Picture this: a basketball gaffer, a Wimbledon semi-finalist, an NBA MVP and a former Premier League midfielder stroll into a Spanish island club. No, it's not the start of a dodgy pub joke – it's the ownership crew behind RCD Mallorca. As reported by Sid Lowe at ESPN Spain, this motley band of sports nuts have dragged the Balearic side from the depths of the third tier to LaLiga respectability. And they've done it with a shared love of kicking (or bouncing) a ball.
From Suns Mates to Mallorca Majority
It all kicked off back in January 2016, when Andy Kohlberg – ex-tennis pro and New Yorker – led the charge. With Steve Nash (two-time NBA MVP), Stu Holden (ex-US international with Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday stints) and original investor Robert Sarver (ex-Phoenix Suns owner), they snapped up Mallorca for $23.86 million. Kohlberg, now president and majority shareholder after buying out Sarver, calls it a 'gem' on an island pulling in 16 million tourists a year.
The link? Phoenix Suns connections. Nash and Kerr overlapped there, Kohlberg too, and Holden was Nash's long-time mate. 'Athletes get it,' Kohlberg reckons. That winning mentality – think Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Steph Curry – translates from tennis courts to pitches. Kerr, Golden State Warriors boss, jumped in as part-owner in 2023. 'No-brainer,' he grinned, gazing at Arizona's Camelback Mountain during a recent chinwag.
They eyed England's Championship but baulked at the prices. Mallorca, bottom of Segunda División back then, screamed opportunity. Population of 1 million locals? Perfect for growth.
Rollercoaster Ride: Pools, Promotions and Copa Heartbreak
It's been a proper white-knuckle ride. Two relegations, three promotions – down to Primera RFEF (third tier), then back up. Now in their fifth LaLiga season, they've posted finishes of 16th, 9th, 15th and 10th. Pride peaked with a historic Copa del Rey final run in 2024 – gutting defeat, but what a story.
Early days were grim. Nash recalls Nash and Holden chasing balls into swimming pools on away days at minnows. 'Miles from the Bernabeu,' he laughs. Holden got the call from Nash: 'Fancy owning a European side?' Instant yes. Kerr echoes it – a chance to join pals in paradise, as Chopin once dubbed Mallorca the world's most beautiful spot.
These lads know their onions, too. Nash, son of a Tottenham-supporting dad who played non-league, grew up footy-mad in Canada. 'Goal was my first word.' Played seriously till 13, could've gone pro reckons Holden. 'Vision like Pirlo, maybe Burnley level.' Basketball hooked him via Michael Jordan, but soccer's in the blood. Now NBA kids all follow a team – times change.
Why It Works: Sport's Universal Lingo
Sport's the glue, as Nash puts it – 'connective tissue'. Tennis ace Kohlberg rubbed shoulders with John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors; mindset's the same. Kerr jokes he'd love to coach the side, but owning's plenty. Back in Arizona – where it sparked – the quartet reflect on a decade's graft.
Mallorca's no glamour gig, but survival's sweet. Next up: Real Madrid on ESPN+. With this crew? Expect grit, laughs and maybe a shock. They've turned a sun-soaked struggler into LaLiga's plucky underdogs. Cheers to that – pass the pint.