Jordan and Antetokounmpo lift luxury watch start-up WatchBox to valuation nearing $1 billion

The two stars were among many famous people to back the start-up

Michael Jordan and reigning NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo have seven NBA championship rings. They also like watches.

Jordan, who now owns the Charlotte Hornets, joined a list of athletes to invest in WatchBox, a site that allows people to buy, sell, and trade luxury watches. Brands include Richard Mille, a favorite of NBA players.

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WatchBox said on Tuesday that it raised $165 million in its latest financing round. Joining Jordan were Milwaukee Bucks star and reigning championship MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks owner Marc Lasry, Phoenix Suns stars Chris Paul and Devin Booker, and Wall Street investor Bill Ackman, among others.

WatchBox, based outside of Philadelphia, has reeled in $260 million since its founding in 2017. While the company did not disclose its latest valuation, people with knowledge of the matter told CNBC that it’s approaching $1 billion. The individuals asked not to be named because the valuation is private.

source cnbc.com