Tennis star Nick Kyrgios became the owner of South East Melbourne Phoenix basketball team on Thursday, saying he hopes to build the franchise. The 27-year-old, who is preparing for the Australian Open next week, is a lifelong supporter of the game and joins a group of owners that include Los Angeles Clippers player John Wall. A beaming Kyrgios is good friends with National Football Team owner Romie Chaudhari and said he was delighted to be involved.

"I love the vision he told me, and I and my teammates are interested in the accomplishments of this organization in a short period of time," said the Aussie, a die-hard Boston Celtics fan.

"I know there are many things I can contribute to the growth of the franchise.

"I'm particularly looking forward to traveling to South East Melbourne and meeting the team and the fans and working with the young people of the city."

The 10-team NBL is widely considered one of the best basketball leagues in the world outside of the NBA. Kyrgios' investment in Phoenix is ​​his latest move to own a major league.

He joined Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka recently to win a share of the Miami-based team in the new Major League Pickleball in the United States.