Pieology receives investment from Kevin DurantPieology receives investment from Kevin Durant

NBA stars Kevin Durant and LeBron James aren’t just battling one another for rebounds and three-pointers. Now they’re facing off in the battle for the future of two-minute pizzas.

Last week, Durant invested an undisclosed amount in Pieology Pizza through his Durant Co. Durant will own a stake in the Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.-based company, as well as some of its franchises.

“I’ve been a fan of Pieology since the beginning and jumped at the chance to form a partnership,” said Durant, who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors last season.

Durant will develop franchises for the brand and will acquire units, Pieology founder Carl Chang said in an email. Pieology had 130 locations as of Dec. 26, 2016, a number that has grown rapidly in recent years. Pieology had just 13 locations at the beginning of 2014, according to the company’s franchise disclosure documents.

Earlier this year, the owners of Panda Restaurant Group Inc. invested in Pieology, based in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., which now has about 130 units.

The investment pits Durant against James, who was an early investor in the fast-casual Blaze Pizza chain.

Durant has made numerous investments over the years, including the investment app Acorns and the food delivery provider Postmates. He also signed a partnership deal in 2014 with Oklahoma City-based Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt.

Athletes have been making investments in restaurants for years, mostly as franchisees. Former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is a Papa John’s franchisee, and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is a Dunkin’ Donuts and Jimmy John’s franchisee. And former Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad is part of a private-equity group that has acquired Wild Wing Café and Back Yard Burgers.

Athletes earn a lot of money in a short period of time, and the investments can provide income after they retire.

“Because of Kevin’s success as an athlete, he, like many sophisticated athletes these days, is partnering with other successful people and brands to leverage their success and diversify their personal brands,” Chang said. “Kevin is a great steward and is very strategic in his plans. This is only the first step together in many opportunities we will explore.”

The athletes bring attention to brands that may not get it otherwise. For a smaller, growing concept, that can be priceless. 

“Kevin brings a level of national brand awareness for Pieology to help enhance and grow our brand,” Chang said.

Chang himself is no stranger to professional sports. He coached his younger brother, professional tennis player Michael Chang, to a No. 2 world ranking. The older Chang knows Durant, and the partnership grew out of conversations between the two. 

“We have a lot in common, and I really appreciate his story,” Chang said. 

He referred to Durant’s upbringing as the son of a single mother who pushed him to be a great basketball player. Durant called her “the real MVP” in a speech to accept the NBA’s most valuable player award in 2014.

Contact Jonathan Maze at [email protected]

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