Obama aides, NBA legends invest $7B to revive Seattle Supersonics

**Blacksun Launches $7 Billion Sports Investment Fund to Revive Teams and Create New Leagues**

Blacksun announced today that it has raised a $7 billion fund focused exclusively on sports, entertainment, and real‑estate ventures. The capital will be directed toward ownership stakes in professional teams, development of new sports leagues, and construction of stadiums on strategically chosen sites.

The announcement comes as the NBA’s 2025 rule changes open the door for larger private‑equity involvement in franchise ownership.

The fund is co‑founded by former Obama‑era political operative Nick Rathod, ex‑Miami Hurricanes star Atonn Muhammad, and investment‑banking veteran Nery Gomez. Rathod serves as chief of strategy and global communications, while Muhammad leads the creative vision and Gomez oversees the financial architecture.

Their combined experience spans politics, media, and finance, positioning Blacksun to challenge traditional models of sports ownership.

Blacksun’s launch signals a shift from the historic “billionaire‑to‑billionaire” model that saw franchises like the Lakers change hands with little local benefit. Instead, the fund claims to aim for community partnership, stakeholder inclusion, and long‑term value creation for cities and fans alike.

The initiative will be tested in high‑profile projects such as a revival of the Seattle Supersonics and the creation of new sports leagues.

## Background & Context

Private‑equity interest in live‑events has surged over the past decade, especially after the NBA eased limits on external ownership in 2025. Teams that were once controlled by individual owners or local consortiums are now open to institutional investors seeking diversification and stable returns.

Critics argue that these deals often neglect local fan bases, while proponents cite improved infrastructure and professional management.

The Lakers transaction, frequently cited as a benchmark for the old model, involved several billionaire owners exchanging control of the franchise without significant community engagement.

A retired political strategist, Nick Rathod, highlighted this pattern in public statements and has since positioned Blacksun to offer an alternative framework. By emphasizing transparency and local partnership, the new fund aims to differentiate itself from past high‑profile deals.

## What the New Fund Is Aiming For

Blacksun’s flagship projects include the World American Football League (WAFL) and a combat‑sports venture dubbed Knockout Fights. The WAFL is intended to bring professional American football to markets outside the NFL, featuring a franchise structure that could integrate with local communities.

Knockout Fights will focus on mixed‑martial‑arts‑style events, leveraging existing media rights and broadcast platforms.

In Seattle, Blacksun has assembled an ownership group focused on resurrecting the Supersonics. The strategy involves partnering with a Native American tribe to secure a lease on tribal lands, which would serve as the site for a new arena and surrounding entertainment district.

The plan includes sharing ownership stakes with tribal entities to align economic benefits with community interests.

Additionally, the fund is developing real‑estate projects that combine sports venues with mixed‑use developments, aiming to generate revenue from hospitality, retail, and technology partnerships. By integrating these components, Blacksun intends to create sustainable business models that benefit both investors and local economies.

## Stakeholders and Funding

High‑profile athletes are enlisted as advisors, including former NBA star Jason Kidd, boxing champion Roy Jones Jr., football legend Lawrence Taylor, and former NFL player Gary Clark. These figures bring on‑the‑ground expertise and help shape fan engagement strategies.

Ross Levinsohn, a former executive at Yahoo, Fox Sports, and the LA Times, serves as a media liaison to navigate broadcasting and digital distribution.

Funding for Blacksun was secured through a partnership with Dubai‑based Greenstone Equity Partners, which acted as an intermediary for high‑net‑worth individuals and institutional investors.

The capital pool combines private contributions with institutional commitments, providing a diversified financial base for the fund’s ambitious projects. Greenstone’s involvement underscores the global appetite for sports‑related investments.

## What Happens Next

Blacksun has outlined a phased rollout, starting with securing ownership agreements in the Seattle market by mid‑2026. The WAFL and Knockout Fights are slated to launch pilot seasons in 2027, contingent on league approvals and venue readiness.

As the fund moves forward, it will seek additional partners and investors to expand its reach beyond North America.

Stakeholders across sports, media, and real‑estate sectors are monitoring the progress closely. If Blacksun’s model proves successful, it could set a new standard for community‑centric ownership and diversified sports investment.

The next few years will reveal whether this ambitious blend of philanthropy, finance, and athletic expertise can reshape the professional sports landscape.