NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard’s secret stake in Rhode Island soccer project revealed

NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard has a secret stake in the Rhode Island Football Club, according to a recent investigation by Target 12. Leonard and his associates quietly became investors in the Pawtucket soccer project while the ownership group struggled to secure private financing for their 10,000-seat stadium. The $130 million facility has relied heavily on public support, including millions in taxpayer subsidies.

While other professional athletes often publicize their involvement in sports franchises, Leonard chose a quiet path. The investigation reveals that Leonard, his uncle Dennis Robertson, and his former agent Mitch Frankel embedded themselves in the project as the team was navigating financial hurdles. Despite the project receiving significant political backing, even top officials, including Governor Dan McKee, appeared unaware of Leonard’s specific financial interest in the club.

The investigation highlights a disconnect between the team’s public identity and its private ownership structure. While founder Brett Johnson describes the athlete as a friend and a small investor, the lack of transparency remains a point of concern for those following the state’s multi-million dollar commitment. Public records indicate that Leonard and his associates formed entities specifically tied to the soccer project in recent years, yet their exact stake and involvement remain undisclosed.

This revelation surfaces alongside scrutiny of other business dealings involving Leonard. Federal investigators and the NBA are currently reviewing separate sponsorship agreements tied to a bankrupt startup. As the Pawtucket stadium project continues, taxpayers remain on the hook for millions in bonds, with the full list of project backers still hidden from public view. The team maintains that confidentiality is standard for their capital-raising efforts.