​More current and former athletes are turning to LinkedIn to amplify their personal brands and expand business opportunities. On Wednesday, July 8, NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady formally introduced himself on the platform, admitting that he hadn’t been an active user until now. He has maintained an account for nearly eight months, posting occasional updates about his activities, including his role as chief innovation officer at huupe, the company behind a smart basketball hoop, and the return of the Ones Basketball League—the league he founded. In a recent reintroduction post, McGrady offered a fuller view of his post-retirement activities after a 16-year playing career. He is a minority owner of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, co-hosts the Cousins podcast, works as a studio analyst for NBA on NBCUniversal, and serves as a strategic adviser to Wagner College men’s basketball, all while being a father of four. “They’re the reason I think so much about ownership, legacy, and generational wealth. Basketball gave me opportunities I never imagined. My responsibility now is to turn those opportunities into something that outlives me and creates options for my children and, hopefully, for generations after them,” he wrote on LinkedIn. McGrady added that he intends to keep the LinkedIn community informed about what he’s building and learning. He also aims to use the platform to connect with people across sports, media, investing, and business.
McGrady’s decision to engage more actively on LinkedIn places him alongside a growing cohort of athletes who are using the platform with purpose. Jalen Brunson, the 2026 NBA Finals MVP, is another example. He has been active on LinkedIn for three years. Even after winning the NBA championship with the New York Knicks, Brunson expressed gratitude on the platform, telling followers that the fans, city, and organization helped him maintain the belief that “your dreams are possible.” He emphasized his commitment to preserving that sense of possibility through the Second Round Foundation, which supports youth through education and sports. “I also look forward to continuing to support other people’s dreams through my work with the Second Round Foundation, where our mission is helping young people determine their own success no matter where they come from. It is important to me to support the under-resourced, under-represented, and under-estimated, and to ensure that they have the tools, guidance, and belief they need to achieve their dreams,” he shared on LinkedIn. Brunson primarily uses the platform to share updates about his foundation, which recently hosted the Jalen Brunson Youth Basketball Camp at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He also uses LinkedIn to announce business milestones, including his equity partnership with Just Salad, marking the company’s first athlete investor—a move that helps raise his profile in the business and SEO landscape.
This trend reflects a broader shift among athletes toward purposeful storytelling and strategic networking on LinkedIn. By combining professional branding with real-time updates on business ventures, philanthropy, and career transitions, athletes like McGrady and Brunson are leveraging the platform to build durable legacies and expansive networks. Their activity illustrates how retirement from professional play does not end an athlete’s influence; instead, it often expands through ownership opportunities, advisory roles, media engagements, and social impact initiatives that reach beyond the court. As more athletes join and engage thoughtfully on LinkedIn, the platform becomes a critical channel for sharing insights, securing partnerships, and inspiring the next generation to pursue ambitious, multi-faceted careers.