Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein joins Ratiopharm Ulm ownership group

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein has joined the ownership group of German basketball club Ratiopharm Ulm.

Hartenstein is the son of Florian Hartenstein, a German-American basketball coach who played professionally in Germany. Isaiah Hartenstein grew up in Germany and played for QTSV Quakenbrück. The 7-foot, 250-pounder purchased ownership months after signing his first major contract in the NBA, a three-year, $87 million pact.

“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 there is no majority Black ownership in the NBA, Hartenstein joins a growing list of current Black NBA players who have ownership in overseas teams. Ratiopharm Ulm are the 2023 German Bundesliga champions and its roster currently includes former NBA forward Isaiah Roby.

Former Ratiopharm Ulm players with NBA ties include New York Knicks rookie forward Pacôme Dadiet, New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis and former NBA players Chris Blabb, Bruno Caboclo and Killian Hayes. The San Antonio Spurs also own the draft rights of former Ratiopharm Ulm guard Juan Nunez. NBA prospects currently playing for Ratiopharm Ulm include Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue.