It’s true that the wealthy South Sudanese NBA player Luol Deng has earned 151,000,000 million throughout his fifteen-year NBA career. But Deng, twice an NBA All-Star, has developed a complex real estate portfolio under his company D3N9 as originally reported by Kurt Badenhausen. The hotels, resorts, condos, and apartment buildings are worth an estimated $125 million and he’s still playing professional basketball at the highest level with this Luol Deng contract.
Luol Deng is known as one of the most successful South Sudanese athletes to ever play in the NBA. Over his 15-year career, he earned an estimated $151 million, not only becoming a two-time NBA All-Star but also solidifying his status as one of the league’s most respected veterans. However, Deng’s story doesn’t just revolve around basketball; his prowess extends well into the world of business, specifically in real estate, where he has quietly built a vast and impressive portfolio through his company, D3N9.
Luol Deng’s Basketball Success
Luol Deng entered the NBA in 2004, after being selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 7th overall pick in the draft. His draft rights were quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he made an immediate impact. Over his career, Deng developed a reputation as one of the league’s best two-way players, known for his defensive abilities as well as his offensive efficiency. His standout years with the Bulls, especially between 2011 and 2013, earned him two NBA All-Star selections.
Despite battling injuries throughout the later stages of his career, Deng’s contributions on and off the court cemented his legacy in the NBA. His final years were spent with various teams, including the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, before retiring in 2019. However, even while dominating on the hardwood, Deng had been quietly laying the foundation for his next chapter: real estate investment.
Transitioning to Real Estate: The Birth of D3N9
During his basketball career, Deng was always looking to secure his future beyond the court. While many athletes focus on endorsements or coaching opportunities post-retirement, Deng had a different vision. Through his company D3N9, he ventured into real estate investment, creating a diverse and valuable portfolio.
D3N9 focuses on properties such as hotels, resorts, condominiums, and apartment buildings. As of recent reports, Deng’s real estate assets are valued at around $125 million—a remarkable achievement for someone still deeply involved in his professional basketball career at the time of these acquisitions.
What sets Deng apart is his ability to diversify his investments. Many athletes invest in luxury homes, car dealerships, or franchises. While Deng does have luxury properties, his focus is on developing long-term, income-generating assets such as hospitality properties and multi-family apartment buildings. His business model ensures steady cash flow while also providing the potential for significant appreciation over time.
Diversifying in Key Markets
Deng’s real estate empire spans several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, where he spent significant time during his youth. His decision to invest in multiple markets shows his understanding of global real estate trends and the importance of diversifying to reduce risk.
For example, in South Beach, Miami, Deng purchased a high-end condominium project. In the UK, his portfolio includes apartment buildings, providing housing in high-demand areas. By spreading his investments across different cities and property types, Deng ensures a steady flow of income while reducing exposure to any one particular market downturn.
One of Deng’s most notable real estate projects is in the hospitality sector. Owning resorts and hotels gives him a foothold in the growing tourism industry, which not only provides consistent revenue but also opens doors for potential expansions in the hospitality space. Deng’s ability to recognize the long-term potential in these sectors showcases his business acumen, setting him apart from the typical athlete-turned-entrepreneur.
Financial Discipline and Learning from Mistakes
What often goes unnoticed is Deng’s financial discipline. Despite earning over $151 million throughout his basketball career, he made sure to live well below his means while setting aside funds for future investments. Many professional athletes, unfortunately, fall into financial trouble due to lifestyle inflation, poor investments, or simply lacking financial literacy.
Deng credits his family and financial advisors for helping him remain grounded. His commitment to education and learning about real estate early on in his career helped him avoid common pitfalls. Deng has spoken publicly about the importance of understanding every aspect of the investments he makes, rather than simply trusting someone else to handle his portfolio.
“I’m involved in every decision, I want to know exactly what’s happening with my investments,” Deng has said in past interviews. This hands-on approach has not only protected his wealth but also allowed it to grow exponentially over time.
The Broader Impact of Deng’s Investments
Deng’s investments don’t just impact his bottom line; they also positively affect the communities where his properties are located. By creating jobs through his hotels and apartment complexes, Deng is contributing to local economies, something he values deeply.
His philanthropic work also mirrors this commitment. Deng established the Luol Deng Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of refugees and underprivileged youth through sports and education. His business success allows him to fund these initiatives, giving back to communities both in South Sudan and around the world.
Moreover, Deng’s involvement in real estate goes beyond passive income. He’s deeply involved in decisions that affect the local communities his properties serve, whether it’s ensuring affordable housing options or creating jobs through his hospitality ventures.
Looking to the Future
As Deng continues to grow his real estate portfolio, he has his sights set on further expansion. Given his track record of sound investments, many industry experts believe his net worth will continue to grow substantially in the coming years. His ability to seamlessly transition from basketball to business has become a model for other athletes looking to secure their financial futures.
But Deng’s ambitions aren’t solely about wealth accumulation. He’s a firm believer in using his platform and resources to make a difference in the world. Whether through his investments, foundation, or mentorship, Deng’s post-NBA life continues to be driven by a sense of purpose.
Like much of business, it is about who you know. Deng has shown to be savvy in that regard making relationships with America’s top real estate investors and business tycoons.
Luol Deng hired David Gross as the Chief Investment Officer of D3N9 who previously worked as a banker on Wall Street and CEO of the Confluent Group investment advisory firm. David is a Columbia University graduate with a Master of Science in Real Estate Development and holds an MBA in Finance and Capital Markets from New York University.
Before that hire, he had been cultivating valuable relationships with the current CEO of JPMorgan Chase and real estate investors like Don Peebles. Both Jamie Dimon and Feebles have impressive backgrounds
According to d3N9, Deng and his team invest in both public and private markets which has allowed them to amass holdings in commodities, real estate, private equity, and venture capital. Listen to Deng share business insights in a 2011 TV interview and look at where Luol Deng is now,
Luol Deng is not about the flash but his business acumen shows that he invests in what he knows with an integrated development and construction company in Juba, South Sudan building large-scale residential and commercial projects.
Although Luol Deng and David Gross usually invest in single and multi-family residential properties, they have acquired properties across the globe from Juba to London and the Hamptons to a resort in the Bahamas. After a season playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves Deng has taken advantage of the offseason to continue with his philanthropic adventures. Recently during a visit to Brixton’s Evelyn Grace Academy in London with his sister Arek Deng, he told students that
“my main message I wanted to share is in order to be great at what you do, you have to be committed to achieving your goals.”
“Act like who you want to be, put in the time and good things will happen. Greatness is the result of hard work, discipline and not being afraid. Every one of you can achieve this.”
His words come with experience. Luol Deng and his family left Sudan in a hurry as a child for Britain where he grew up in Brixton, only receiving his citizenship to the United Kingdom in 2006.
All these years later he’s at the twilight of an excellent NBA career having played sparingly the past two seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s currently an Unrestricted Free Agent as of the middle of June ready to listen to offers or maybe rejoin the Minnesota Timberwolves for another season or two. His stats have been on the decline with less playing time but maybe a change of scenery may extract different results.
Luol Deng’s story is one of incredible transition and foresight. From earning $151 million on the basketball court to building a $125 million real estate empire, Deng is redefining what it means to be an athlete-entrepreneur. His ability to manage his finances wisely, diversify his portfolio, and stay engaged in his investments has ensured his continued success long after his playing days are over.
More than just a player, Deng’s legacy is now also tied to his role as a businessman, philanthropist, and leader in the real estate industry. As he continues to expand his portfolio, there’s no telling just how far Deng’s entrepreneurial spirit will take him. For many athletes looking to secure their futures beyond sports, Luol Deng stands as a shining example of what’s possible when you combine talent, intelligence, and vision.
