The Dallas Mavericks are less than a week removed from a season-ending 120-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum, but reappeared in the sports news headlines. Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd is set to join the Everton ownership group, the Premier League club told ESPN on Thursday. Kidd joined Roundhouse Capital Holdings, part of The Friedkin Group — a United States firm that completed its takeover of Everton in December 2024. Here’s what you need to know about Kidd’s new soccer owner gig.
Jason Kidd Joins Everton Ownership Group
Jason Kidd is entering the world of soccer. Kidd, 52, has been hailed as an “incredible resource for Everton” by Executive Chairman Marc Watts. Kidd joins Everton with extensive experience in the NBA — 19 years as a player and 12 years as a coach. Kidd was also a 10-time NBA All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States national men’s basketball team.
Everton is currently 13th in the Premier League, but has impressed the public under new Manager David Moyes this year. Everton is scheduled to move into a new, 52,888-capacity stadium in Liverpool next year. Kidd told reporters, I’m honored to be joining Everton’s ownership at such a critical moment … With a new stadium on the horizon and a bright future ahead, it’s a great moment to come on board.”
Watts said of Kidd, “As one of the NBA’s greatest players and now a successful coach, his knowledge and winning mentality will be an incredible resource for Everton … He is a respected leader and household name for many sports fans and will bring a deeper understanding of high performance as we collectively strive to build a brighter future.”
Not a First Rodeo for Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is entering the Premier League world, but has already been serving as the co-owner of the Oakland Roots SC and Oakland Soul SC soccer teams. A native of Oakland, California, Kidd grew up in an upper-middle-class part of the city, where he initially played soccer before beginning to play basketball in the second grade. From there, Kidd played men’s basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, widely known as Cal.
Final Thoughts
Like the Dallas Mavericks, Jason Kidd isn’t the lone answer to Everton’s struggles. Kidd can put his NBA experience to good use in the Premier League. The Friedkin Group acquired Everton from the British-Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri following a long-running ownership saga. The Friedkin Group also owns the Series-A club, AS Roma.
Kidd’s comprehensive knowledge and winning mentality could help Everton, a nine-time Premier League champion, become a winning team again. Kidd could succeed as part of Everton’s American ownership group, both in the short- and long-term. Everton (8-11-14) will host Chelsea (16-8-9) at the Stamford Bridge in London on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Eastern.
