Isaiah Hartenstein Becomes Part-Owner of German Basketball Team
After an eventful off-season that saw Isaiah Hartenstein ink a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the German center is now diving into the ownership of a basketball club in his homeland. A press release from the club declared that Hartenstein has joined the investment group of German basketball powerhouse, Ratiopharm Ulm.
Ratiopharm Ulm is a standout German club, boasting two promising NBA draft prospects – Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue – alongside a host of seasoned veterans, such as ex-Thunder forward Isaiah Roby. The club clinched the 2023 German Bundesliga title and holds a formidable position in its league.
Hartenstein explained in a statement, "I wanted to join a German team where I could contribute; one that, if I were younger and trying to make it to the next level, would give me the necessary push. Ratiopharm Ulm does well in nurturing the growth of young players and helps them advance in their careers. It is well-managed and despite its focus on player development, remains highly competitive. That combination appealed to me greatly."
Born in the U.S., Hartenstein honed his basketball skills in Germany before returning to the States to play in the G League. During a game away from home against the Magic in Orlando, Hartenstein agreed on this investment with the club's managing director, Dr. Thomas Stoll. The club had been searching for backing, with dialogues tracing back to NBA Summer League several months prior.
Hartenstein set up a holding company, the Hartenstein Group, involving himself, his father, and at least one other associate. The Hartenstein Group will acquire a stake of up to 10% in the Ratiopharm Ulm basketball program.
Preceding this investment, another Thunder player, Dennis Schroder, also made a venture into German basketball. In 2020, Schroder took ownership of Löwen Braunschweig, becoming the main partner of the first professional team he ever played for while still a Thunder member.
Although not current teammates in OKC, Hartenstein and Schroder share a history, given their backgrounds in German basketball and clashes on the NBA court. Intriguingly enough, Löwen Braunschweig and Ratiopharm Ulm will face off in January, only a few weeks from now. Nevertheless, due to his NBA commitments, Hartenstein won't be able to attend any games during the 2023-24 season.
However, he plans to return to Germany during the summer of 2024-25 following the end of the NBA season to reconnect with his roots. Until then, Hartenstein will strive to help the Oklahoma City Thunder secure a deep playoff run and potentially win a championship this very season. With an impressive 13-1 record since joining the Thunder, Hartenstein is one of the standout centers in the NBA, evolving and excelling with each passing game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's center Isaiah Hartenstein is now part of the investment group of Ratiopharm Ulm, a prominent German basketball club. As a German center playing for the Thunder, Hartenstein found appeal in Ratiopharm Ulm's focus on nurturing young players and its competitive nature. Hartenstein, along with his father and an associate, has set up the Hartenstein Group to acquire a stake of up to 10% in Ratiopharm Ulm's basketball program. Dennis Schroder, another former Thunder player, also has a stake in German basketball, having taken ownership of Löwen Braunschweig in 2020. In a surprising turn of events, Löwen Braunschweig and Ratiopharm Ulm will face off in January, although Hartenstein's NBA commitments will prevent him from attending any games during the 2023-24 season.
