Nearly three years after officially saying farewell to the NFL, Marshawn Lynch has found his way back to the city he once called home while on the field.

CNBC reports that the former Seattle Seahawks star is now a minority investor in the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, which is reportedly valued at $875 million. In addition, Lynch is joined by rapper and Seattle native Macklemore.

“This is something I never would have imagined,” Lynch said in a press release. “I always dreamed of playing on a professional team but owning one is something special. As I look back on some of my accomplishments — I retired before I was 30 and now being an owner of a professional club at the age of 35 – I’m gonna continue to count my blessings.”

Further details of the announcement weren’t released, but it’s said that “minority equity stake deals similar to this are generally for 1% of a team or less.”

How It All Happened

October 2021 is when the Kraken became an expansion franchise in the NHL. The Seattle team is controlled by majority owner David Bonderman, who paid a $650 million expansion fee to join the league, according to CNBC.

Before Bonderman, Lynch, and Macklemore’s deals came to be, the now two co-owners were outspoken about being a part of the Kraken family in the summer of 2021.

“For us, we didn’t need additional investors, but the thing that attracted us to these guys was their interest in community activism through this organization, and that’s a big deal,” Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke said.

Marshawn Lynch's Future With Kraken

According to the franchise, Lynch is set to be an advocate for promoting diversity and inclusion in hockey. In addition, he plans to learn more about the sport’s business directly from Leiweke.

“He’s intrigued with the idea of what’s it’s like to be an owner and the business side and the financing,” he said. “And it will be a thrill taking him on that journey.”

He continued: “When somebody signs up at that level, they’re writing a check, but there’s so much more than that. They’re giving their time, relationships, and ultimately giving you their passion, and that’s the most treasured part of this.”