Basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has invested in his hometown of Hamilton.
Oak View Group, the developer behind TD Coliseum, announced the investment Monday. Financial terms were not released.
The 27-year-old Gilgeous-Alexander plays for the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Last August, Gilgeous-Alexander was awarded the keys to Hamilton at a celebration rally after he won the NBA championship, was named the finals MVP and regular-season MVP, and took the league scoring title.
The investment is framed as a long-term commitment to Hamilton’s economic and cultural growth, according to Oak View Group.
“Becoming part of the ownership group at TD Coliseum is really personal for me,” said Gilgeous-Alexander in a statement.
“Growing up in Hamilton shaped who I am, so having the opportunity to help build something special in my hometown means everything.”
Gilgeous-Alexander said music is also a “huge part” of his life, in addition to sports.
“I want this venue to be a place artists are excited to perform, where fans can experience world-class shows right here in the city, where some of my friends in music can perform, and where we’re truly investing back into the local economy,” he said.
According to the statement from Oak View Group, there are plans for community programming and events at the TD Coliseum in collaboration with Gilgeous-Alexander’s charitable organization, the SGA Foundation.
The partnership also includes naming the Ares Atrium inside the venue — a tribute to Gilgeous- Alexander’s son. A mural for the atrium is in the works.
The 18,000-seat TD Coliseum, originally Copps Coliseum and then FirstOntario Centre, was renamed in November after a $300-million renovation of the arena, which opened in 1985.
It reopened its doors late November with a Paul McCartney concert.
