LeBron James and Drake in joint major new career venture as Hollywood stars link up to invest in brand new sport

NBA icon LeBron James and rapper Drake have joined the PGA Tour in its battle for supremacy with LIV Golf.

The duo have become 'strategic investors' in the PGA Tour and will look to use their marketing power to broaden the golf organization's global reach.

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LeBron and Drake are among a group of celebrities who are part of a recent $3 billion investment deal in the PGA Tour, .

Other investors include the Los Angeles Lakers legend's business partner Maverick Carter and his agent Rich Paul, as well as Hollywood actor Chris Pratt.

LeBron is a part-owner of Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC owners Fenway Sports Group, which has led the $3 billion Strategic Sports Group investment in the PGA Tour.

However, LeBron's investment is separate to that of FSG, per the New York Times' DealBook.

The NBA icon recently met PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan at the house of FSG chairman Tom Werner to discuss the deal.

LeBron is not known for having a particular affinity with golf.

But he is a major sports investor, with his portfolio including FSG – which also owns the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins – and Italian soccer club AC Milan.

He is also an investor in Major League Pickleball and has been vocal in his desire to own an NBA team one day.

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Meanwhile, Canadian rapper Drake is also an investor in European soccer giants AC Milan.

"Golf can be so much more than a sport. I remember some of my best childhood memories was being on the golf course with my uncle,” Drake told the New York Times. 

“It’s one thing to invest in a team, but to help reimagine one of the biggest leagues in the world is an incredible opportunity and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

In January, the PGA Tour announced a $3 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group in a deal that gives players access to more than $1.5 billion as equity owners in the new PGA Tour Enterprises.

Among the investors are New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry.

It is unclear at this stage how the investment affects a potential merger deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

The deal allows for a co-investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.