The arc of Ben Simmons’ NBA career has been defined by spectacular talent and frustrating uncertainty. A former first overall draft pick and multi-time All-Star, the Australian’s recent history has been a series of injuries, trade rumors, and short stints—culminating in his release from the Brooklyn Nets and a brief, underwhelming tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers. After the 2025 playoffs, where his final box score showed zero points, one rebound, and one block in his last appearance, Simmons found himself without a team. While many stars use this time for intense, focused training, Simmons made an unexpected, almost bewildering pivot: he bought a professional fishing team.
The Unexpected Pivot: Investing in the Sport Fishing Championship
In a move that sounds like the plot of a surreal sports comedy, Ben Simmons has officially become the owner of the **South Florida Sails**, a competitive franchise within the **Sport Fishing Championship (SFC)**. For an athlete whose professional life has been lived entirely indoors, under bright lights, the move to high-stakes oceanic competition is jarring.
The SFC is not simply a recreational league; it comprises 16 professional teams across 11 states, competing in highly technical fishing tournaments for a season-ending title. These aren`t just casual weekend trips; the competitive landscape demands specialized knowledge, extreme endurance, and considerable capital.
“It’s a niche sport. Once you try it and understand what it’s all about, you fall in love with it. Sport fishing is something that has always interested me. The technique is a fundamental component. There are so many things people simply don`t understand,” Simmons stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the venture.
The financial scale alone puts this transition into perspective. Simmons notes the level of professionalism involved:
“These guys fish on multi-million dollar vessels and stay out on the water for entire days. So it`s a tough discipline, but a lot of fun. It’s one of those worlds that you have to live, immerse yourself in, and understand to truly know it.”
Owner, Not Angler: Building a Maritime Community
Simmons is keenly aware of his limitations, adopting the role of dedicated owner rather than an aspirational athlete trying to master a second sport. He explicitly confirmed that he is **not a member of the South Florida Sails crew**, acknowledging that he is “not the best fisherman.”
His motivation appears to be less about personal conquest and more about expanding the visibility and community surrounding the sport. This demonstrates a strategic, entrepreneurial mindset, suggesting Simmons is applying the business lessons learned during his tenure in major league sports.
“I have a great passion for helping these guys grow this sport because I truly believe in it. Therefore, for me to compete would be a bit selfish,” he explained. “For me, it is more important to build a community in Miami around fishing. That`s really important.”
The Persistent NBA Question
For fans wondering if this high-seas adventure signifies an end to his basketball career, Simmons remains firm: the NBA chapter is far from closed. The ownership of the South Florida Sails is a parallel venture, not a replacement for his primary profession.
While managing a competitive fishing franchise, Simmons maintains a demanding physical regime designed to prepare him for his next opportunity on the court. He describes his training as “exhausting.”
The future remains uncertain, yet the determination is clear. When asked about his return to the league, Simmons took a philosophical approach:
“I am a human being, it’s normal for me to think about it; I want to find out. I don`t believe this story is over for me, but let`s see how it goes. So, as long as I put in the effort and the necessary energy, everything else will come naturally.”
In a world where NBA contracts guarantee generational wealth, the pressure to pivot is minimal. Yet, Ben Simmons’ decision to invest time and capital into competitive fishing highlights a growing trend among elite athletes: leveraging their status and resources to cultivate niche, high-value sports. Whether he returns to the court as a dominant force or establishes himself as a successful maritime entrepreneur, Simmons’ career continues to be one of the most unpredictable sagas in modern professional sports.
Adrian Whitmore