• Loading stock data...
Friday, September 19, 2025

Kawhi Leonard Joins X2 Performance Board in Equity Deal

  • Leonard will get two board seats and become the ‘face of the brand.’
  • X2 raised $14 million in a recent Series D funding round.
Kawhi Leonard X2 Product in Gym
X2 Performance

Following a recent string of athletes taking equity stakes in the companies they endorse, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is joining natural performance supplement company X2 Performance as an investor and member of its board of directors.

The company — which makes energy drinks and workout supplements — will use the 2019 NBA Finals MVP’s image and likeness as it looks to expand to national retailers. “He will be the face of the brand,” X2 CEO Mark French told CNBC. Leonard will also be directly involved with “product innovation and marketing support.”

“I have been approached by many beverage and supplement brands, but I decided to join X2 because it is natural with clean ingredients. I love the products, and the impact it’s had on my training and performance,” Leonard said in an announcement. “I’m really inspired by our X2 team and the momentum we are building.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it gives Leonard two seats on the board, CNBC reported. His investment came as part of a Series D funding round that raised roughly $14 million. 

Private equity firm L Catterton’s growth fund was the leading investor in the round — L Catterton recently led funding rounds for connected fitness companies Tonal and ICON, and was an early Peloton backer. Other sports industry investors include ESPN NFL insider and X2 board member Mike Tannenbaum, CAA Sports Co-Head Mike Levine, O’Melveny Sports Industry Group Co-Chair Chuck Baker and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David.

Other high-profile athletes to recently take investment stakes in performance-related companies they endorse include Patrick Mahomes at Hyperice, and DeAndre Hopkins at Therabody and BioSteel.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Greg Norman Leaves LIV As Golf World Continues to Shift

Norman relinquished the league’s CEO role in January.
May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.

Clippers Minority Owner Allegedly Invested in Aspiration to Pay Kawhi

Minority investor Dennis Wong allegedly invested in Aspiration as well.
Angel Reese

Unrivaled Adding Two Teams, a Fourth Night of Games per Week

The 3-on-3 league is expanding in its second year.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Sep 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park.

Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Retiring After 18 Seasons

Kershaw is fourth all-time in career earnings for a pitcher.
Kawhi Leonard
September 16, 2025

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
Lionel Messi
September 18, 2025

Messi Near New Deal to Stay in MLS, Miami

His contract with Inter Miami was set to expire in December.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.