Jewell Loyd: Building a Business Empire Beyond Her Athletic Career

WNBA standout Jewell Loyd is making significant strides in building a comprehensive business portfolio, moving beyond the traditional athlete image. Her strategic partnership with AT&T and personal ventures like Dobro Coffee highlight her as not just an athlete, but also a visionary entrepreneur. This approach reflects a growing trend in the modern sports world where athletes are increasingly turning to ownership and entrepreneurship for sustainable long-term futures.

Loyd's forays into the business world are diverse. Alongside her brother Jarryd, she co-owns a Smoothie King franchise in Illinois, has invested in Major League Pickleball, and is also an investor in Project B, a global basketball league set to launch in 2027. Furthermore, through Loyd & Co., a financial services firm she co-founded in 2015, she aims to provide access to capital and wealth-building tools, particularly for underserved communities. Her latest endeavor is Dobro Coffee, a community coffee house in her hometown of Lincolnwood, Illinois, where she takes a hands-on role. Loyd's involvement in these businesses extends beyond financial returns, seeking to create a tangible community impact.

Loyd's collaboration with AT&T is part of the company's "She's Connected" campaign, designed to support women entrepreneurs. This initiative offers resources, mentorship, and opportunities to win grants, such as a $50,000 award, for women business owners. For Loyd, this partnership aligns with her philosophy of authenticity, impact, and long-term alignment. AT&T has spotlighted over 20 female athlete-business owners since 2020, reinforcing Loyd's belief that ownership often generates more lasting value than endorsements alone.

These developments signal a broader shift within the sports industry. Athletes are no longer content with merely endorsement deals; they are actively building their own business portfolios and investing in companies as part of a long-term business strategy. Loyd, inspired by her father, employs a hands-on approach aimed at increasing visibility for women, particularly Black women, in business and creating generational wealth. This exemplifies a growing desire among athletes to serve as role models not only through their on-court achievements but also through their leadership and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Analysts and market observers note that the entry of high-profile athletes like Loyd into the business world represents a significant trend, impacting both personal wealth management and societal influence. Such ventures have the potential to enhance financial literacy and provide economic opportunities for underrepresented communities. In the coming period, it is anticipated that more athletes will follow this path, further blurring the lines between sports and business, which could pave the way for new investment and business models.