Commanders' Bobby Wagner Invests in WNBA's Seattle Storm

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner has taken a significant step off the field by becoming a minority investor in the WNBA’s Seattle Storm team. Wagner, who grew up in Los Angeles admiring Kobe Bryant, seeks to continue the legacy of the legendary Lakers player in the field of women’s sports. The news was announced through a post on the social network X by the team, highlighting Wagner as the first active NFL player to own shares in a WNBA team. Wagner revealed that he consulted Magic Johnson, NBA Hall of Famer and minority shareholder of the Commanders, before making the investment decision. Johnson has been a key mentor to Wagner, providing him with valuable advice.

He has been a great mentor to me; he helped me a lot. I presented this idea to him before making the decision, and it was very helpful because, obviously, he has done it. He has done it at a high level. So he is definitely someone I turn to.
Bobby Wagner

The influence of Bryant, who was a fervent supporter of women’s basketball, was a crucial factor in Wagner’s decision. Wagner’s former teammate in Seattle, Richard Sherman, was the one who organized a meeting between Wagner and Bryant before the tragic helicopter accident that cost Bryant his life in 2020. Wagner has expressed his admiration for Bryant’s work in women’s basketball and his desire to contribute to his legacy.

I saw what Kobe was doing for women’s basketball and the WNBA and what he was trying to do. This was something important to me because it’s almost like trying to continue where he left off. Obviously, I’m not him at all, but I can do my part. I think women’s sports are incredible. I have daughters. I have sisters.
Bobby Wagner

Wagner has made other investments in women-led companies and funds dedicated to women’s sports, but this is his most public initiative to date. The player initiated conversations with the Storm team approximately five or six months ago. Furthermore, his connection to Seattle, where he played for the Seahawks for eleven seasons, influenced his decision, allowing him to remain linked to the city where he won a Super Bowl and was named All-Pro six times. Wagner has followed the Storm team closely since his time in Seattle.