Key takeaways
- Ben Simmons is the majority owner and controlling operator of the South Florida Sails in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).
- He’s training six days a week with two-a-day basketball and rehab sessions as he pursues an NBA comeback.
- Simmons says he may be ready to sign with an NBA team around the All-Star break if his progress continues.
- He re-signed with agent Rich Paul and is focusing on restoring his health and shot mechanics.
From NBA stardom to pro fishing ownership
Ben Simmons, the three-time NBA All-Star and 2018 Rookie of the Year, has taken a new professional step off the court: he’s the controlling operator and majority owner of the South Florida Sails, a franchise in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).
Founded in 2021, SFC is a professional offshore saltwater fishing league with 16 clubs competing across the East Coast and Gulf states. Simmons joins a group of celebrity owners that includes Scottie Scheffler, Randy Moss and Austin Dillon as the league expands its profile.
“Like the new F1 for fishing,” Simmons said
Simmons compared the SFC to high-profile sports leagues, calling it “like the new F1 for fishing. The new LIV Golf for fishing,” and praised the league’s event-based, point-scored format for species like white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish.
Training and rehab: the plan for an NBA return
While building his franchise in Miami, Simmons is also focused on getting back to peak basketball form. The guard — who has averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists across 383 regular-season games — says he’s doing two-a-day workouts, strength sessions and rehabilitation six days a week in the Los Angeles area.
Simmons, who dealt with a high-profile holdout and a series of injuries across stops in Philadelphia, Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Clippers, said he believes his body is turning the corner. He told reporters he could be healthy enough to sign with a team around the NBA All-Star break if his progress continues without setback.
Why he paused and what comes next
The past two seasons were hampered by a persistent back issue and mobility problems that affected his jumping, balance and shot mechanics. Simmons says improved rehab and new perspectives from medical staff helped him address nerve and mobility issues that previously limited his on-court effectiveness.
He also confirmed he returned to agent Rich Paul and Klutch Sports, citing trust and a shared plan to prioritize health over rushing back into a roster spot.
Balancing competition with new passions
Simmons is candid about still wanting to compete in the NBA — he remains a passionate player — but he also embraces ownership and community-building in Miami through fishing. He already owns a 53-foot center-console boat and plans to invest hands-on time into the South Florida Sails while continuing his NBA rehab.
Outlook
Simmons is optimistic but measured. He’s targeting a midseason return if his rehab stays on track, while his new role in the SFC gives him a competitive outlet and business platform away from the hardwood.
Reporter: Marc J. Spears for Andscape (interview material)
Image Referance: https://andscape.com/features/ben-simmons-nba/