Ben Simmons is finding momentum in an unexpected arena while his NBA career remains on pause: He's emerging as a major player in professional sport fishing.
Simmons recently spoke with Andscape's senior NBA writer, Marc J. Spears, from his rented home in South Florida. The former No. 1 overall pick revealed that he is now the controlling operator and majority owner of the South Florida Sails, a franchise in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC), a professional offshore saltwater fishing league founded in 2021.
The league features 16 teams competing across the U.S. in a season-long points format centered on elite big-game fishing. Simmons described the league as a cutting-edge sports venture.
"The way I see it, it's like the new F1 [Formula 1] for fishing. The new LIV Golf for fishing," Simmons said. "It's a very niche sport. And if you don't know, you don't know. But once you experience it and get out there and see what it's about, you're kind of in awe of what the sport is. And that's just something I've always been interested in in terms of the sport of fishing."
The Australian-born guard joins a growing list of celebrity SFC owners that includes pro golfers Scottie Scheffler and Talor Gooch, NFL stars Randy Moss and Raheem Mostert, country singer Brian Kelley, and NASCAR driver Austin Dillon.
Simmons said the opportunity aligned with his lifestyle and passions, especially as he spends extensive time in Miami and on the water.
While Simmons has not appeared on an NBA roster this season, his first time out of the league since before being drafted in 2016, he told Spears that his basketball days are far from over.
The three-time All-Star said he is undergoing intense two-a-day workouts six days a week in Los Angeles, focusing on strength, mobility, and rehabilitation after years of back and nerve issues.
"I don't believe it's just [about] getting on a team," Simmons said. "So, if I were to play right now, I think I'd fit right into the NBA just given what I can do. But I want to give everything I can to the game. I don't think there's any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there. I think that's a little selfish. And there are guys that do it now. But that's what it is, the business."
He added, "For me, I'm very blessed to not have to be in that situation where I need to fight right now. But I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete. Otherwise, it doesn't really serve me any purpose."
Simmons said he believes he could return and sign with a team around the All-Star break or later next season if his progress continues.
