CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 26: Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) looks on from the … [+]
Following a life-changing offseason in which Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the German center is now investing in a basketball club in his home country. In a club press release, it was announced that Hartenstein has joined the ownership group of German basketball club Ratiopharm Ulm.
One of the premier German clubs, Ratiopharm Ulm features two prominent draft prospects — Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue — along with many other quality veterans, including former Thunder forward Isaiah Roby. The club won the 2023 German Bundesliga championship and is undoubtedly a top team in its league.
“I got involved because I was searching for a German team that I could be a part of — one that, if I were younger and trying to make the next level, would get me there,” Hartenstein said. “I feel like they do a great job of developing young talent and helping them advance in their careers. The team is well-run, and even though they focus on helping players take the next step, they remain competitive. That mix was really exciting for me. And growing up, I always loved the fans they had.”
While he was born in the United States, Hartenstein started his basketball career playing in Germany before moving back to the States to play in the G League. During a recent game on the road in Orlando against the Magic, the Thunder center met with Ulm’s managing director, Dr. Thomas Stoll to make the investment official. The club had been looking for investors, with Hartenstein initially kicking off conversations at NBA Summer League several months ago.
Hartenstein founded a holding company, the Hartenstein Group, which included himself, his father, and at least one other acquaintance. The Hartenstein Group will take over up to 10% of the shares in the Ratiopharm Ulm basketball program.
This isn’t the first time a German player has invested in a professional club while being a member of the Thunder. In 2020, Dennis Schroder made a business move off the court and invested in basketball in his home country, too. At the time, Schroder played in Oklahoma City and became the main partner in Löwen Braunschweig in Germany — the first professional team he ever played for.
While they’re not teammates in OKC, Hartenstein and Schroder are, of course, familiar with one another, given their backgrounds playing basketball in Germany and as opponents in the NBA. Interestingly enough, Löwen Braunschweig and Ratiopharm Ulm will match up in just a few weeks in late January. While Hartenstein won’t be able to make any of the club’s games this season, he plans to make a trip back to Germany this summer after the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA campaign.
In the meantime, Hartenstein will look to help the Oklahoma City Thunder make a deep playoff push, and potentially win a title this season. The team is 13-1 with him active on the roster, showing just how impactful he has been this season. The 26-year-old is one of the best centers in the NBA and is still only getting better.
