Seattle-Born Magic All-Star Forward Paolo Banchero Joins Seawolves Ownership Group
SEATTLE, Wash. — The Seattle Seawolves announced on Thursday morning that Paolo Banchero, an All-Star power forward for the NBA’s Orlando Magic, has joined the team’s ownership group. Banchero, a Seattle-born hooper who played for O’Dea High School before his collegiate and NBA careers, is the third athlete this year to invest in the Seawolves, following on the heels of Marcus Peters and Marshawn Lynch back in April.
“As someone who grew up in Seattle, investing in the Seawolves is a chance to support my hometown and help grow a sport that's gaining real momentum in the US,” Banchero said in the team’s press release. “I’m passionate about sports and the impact they have on communities - whether it’s here in Seattle or around the world.”
Although the sport of rugby itself may be gaining ground in America, the last few months in Major League Rugby have been tumultuous to say the least. Of the 11 sides that competed in 2025, two have merged and four more have closed shop, leaving the league with just six teams for 2026. The silver lining is that five of these six remaining teams do appear to be much more stable than their departed counterparts, and the continued local investment in the Seawolves from figures like Lynch, Peters, and Banchero is a hopeful signal to other investors both in the city and nationwide, though the actual dollar figures coming in from these celebrity owners are unknown.