Former NFL star Marshawn Lynch continues to expand his business empire beyond football, now adding professional rugby team ownership to his portfolio. The five-time Pro Bowl running back and Super Bowl champion, along with NFL cornerback Marcus Peters, has officially joined the ownership group of the Seattle Seawolves, a Major League Rugby franchise, making him one of the few Black owners in professional rugby.

The "Beast Mode" legend, who built his reputation with the Seattle Seahawks for his punishing running style and memorable personality, took a break from his burgeoning acting career to continue making new business moves. Lynch has previously invested in the Fan Controlled Football league, launched his Beast Mode apparel line, and owns stakes in a cannabis company and the Oakland Roots soccer club.

“Rugby is about culture, community, and respect—and when this opp presented itself, I was with it, cause you already know that’s what imma about,” Lynch said in the statement. “This move isn’t just business. It’s about building something with substance and purpose. The Seawolves are creating something dope in the PNW, and I’m here for it.”

This move represents another significant step for Black ownership in professional sports, an area where representation remains disproportionately low. Lynch joins a wave of NBA stars putting their money into fast-growing sports outside of basketball. LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Kevin Love recently bought into Major League Pickleball, betting big on the sport’s exploding popularity and diverse fanbase. Kevin Durant followed suit, purchasing his own MLP team through his Thirty Five Ventures firm. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers joined the ownership group of MLS club Nashville SC, while James Harden and Kevin Durant have invested in the Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union, respectively. 

Since retiring from the NFL, Lynch has strategically built his brand while remaining true to his Oakland roots. His Beast Mode apparel line has grown into a long-term business, and he's shown particular interest in bringing opportunities to Black communities.