HOUSTON, July 19 — Superstar James Harden has made an investment in his NBA city, buying a minority stake in the group that runs the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer, the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League and BBVA Stadium, where the football teams play.

"I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the ownership group of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash and proud to be a part of a club with tremendous history and a great future,” the Rockets’ All-NBA guard said in a statement posted to the Dynamo website.

"Houston is my home now, and I saw this as a way to invest in my city and expand my business interests at the same time. Soccer in general, and especially MLS, have exploded in this country throughout my lifetime. I’ve been a fan of the game for several years, and I know that Houston has a massive soccer fanbase, so it was an easy decision for me when this opportunity arose.”

Front Office Sports said Harden bought a 5 per cent stake in the properties, which the outlet said is valued at "at least US$475 million (RM1.2 billion).”

Harden, who turns 30 in August, signed a guaranteed four-year, US$171 million contract extension last summer that kicks in with the upcoming season. — AFP