Will Smith now part owner of the 76ers

Rapper, movie star and all-around A-lister Will Smith can add basketball team owner to his resume, because Will and wife Jada Pinkett Smith now own minority stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers.

Will, 43, and Jada, 40, joined a group of investors led by multibillionaire Joshua Harris to buy the NBA team from Comcast-Spectacor, according to CSN Philly.

At a press conference Tuesday morning, Harris announced the new ownership via press release: "It is an honor to become part of this storied franchise. We have a lot of work to do, but we have a rich history, a strong foundation and a bright future.”

Philadelphia is close to Will’s heart. The Oscar-nominated actor was “born and raised” in West Philadelphia, as mentioned on his '90s sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Smith gained fame essentially by playing himself on the series – a street-smart West Philly kid.

Sixers players seem to be happy with the actor’s involvement in the team. Guard Evan Turner posted his approval on Twitter: "I think it's dope that the fresh prince is one of our new owners. Maybe Willow can perform at halftime."

But Willow will have to wait to share her tween pop fare with Sixers fans, because the NBA is still in the midst of a lockout.

Post by: Lindsey Hunter Lopez -- Special to CNN
Filed under: Celebrities

Next entry »'Real World': Occupy Wall Street?

« Previous entry'Man Up!': So, real men don't use pomegranate body wash?

soundoff (19 Responses)

Daja`

@derp ha,I know it's funny but aren't all the teams hee hee ghetto?
I mean you know white mean can't jump.

October 20, 2011 at 12:38 pm | Report abuse | Reply
@Daje

Oh relax babe. You are too serious. It's good to kick back and have a chuckle every now and then. Have you been on these blogs lately? It's good to come on here, play around, have a chuckle or two. So chill big boy and keep the mean outside.

October 20, 2011 at 11:41 am | Report abuse | Reply
Daje`

I really don't care what his name is,you 'geniuses'and your humor.

October 20, 2011 at 10:47 am | Report abuse | Reply
Get a room

Evel definitely delivered the goods here. Well done.

October 20, 2011 at 10:35 am | Report abuse | Reply
derp

Good investment Will. The Sixers are a team with no fans in a ghetto thug league that nobody watches any more.

October 20, 2011 at 9:50 am | Report abuse | Reply
@Daje

I actually like Evel. I get his sick and twisted humor. I was just playing with him.

October 20, 2011 at 9:50 am | Report abuse | Reply
Daje`

Yea@Evei Knievel you da man, Not.

October 20, 2011 at 9:34 am | Report abuse | Reply
well figures

how c um u're not taking the bait evel? thought u liked hoz

October 20, 2011 at 1:10 am | Report abuse | Reply
Beautiful Vixen

You think you're so smart don't you bad boy (evel)? You gave yourself away with one of your comments. Hope you're enjoying yourself..smirk. No hard feeling on my part..lol P.S. Fan girls (rolling eyes) he all mine, because when I'm done with him..he won't be alive.

October 19, 2011 at 11:40 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Matt

What about DJ Jazzy Jeff?

October 19, 2011 at 9:47 pm | Report abuse | Reply
D.B.Yonas

Who's to say how long it will your world?Never a black president.Keep living you haven't seen 'nothin'yet'.

October 19, 2011 at 9:24 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Evel Knievel

I see my lovely little fangirls are out in full force today. You girls need to get your fat a55es back in the kitchen with your shoes off.

October 19, 2011 at 8:06 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Daniel Ryker

I think Evel's more of a hunter he probably likes those guys that kiss their mommas with their pretty mouths before they run off into the woods.lmao

October 19, 2011 at 8:00 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Ryan

@Evel Knievel you redneck b**tard why don't you ride off into the sunset on your Harley,first make a detour off a bridge into the Mississippi.

October 19, 2011 at 6:33 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Ha Ha Trolls

I'm soooo F... Nevermind.

October 19, 2011 at 2:24 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Dani

So you want Will Smith to live out your fantasy? Get a life. LOL!

October 19, 2011 at 4:49 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Jen

@Evel Knievel... wow, you really are an idiot. I see your mindless, ignorant comments plastered all over these blogs. I bet your mother is very proud of you. Moron

October 19, 2011 at 5:17 pm | Report abuse | Reply
Evel Knievel

You kiss your mother with that mouth, sweetheart? You're not the first fat and lonely cat lady to be charmed by my words.

October 19, 2011 at 6:16 pm | Report abuse | Reply
CT

@Truth – ever heard of Robert L. Johnson or Michael Jeffrey Jordan? Already been there and done that a couple times over. As a matter of fact at the time Bob owned the team, the ownership was majority Bob, with ownership by Nelly, and MJ...

October 20, 2011 at 7:00 am | Report abuse | Reply