Travis Kelce shakes hands with fans during a break in the second quarter between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Another big name has joined the ownership group of the Cleveland Cavaliers. After Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce bought a minority stake in the Guardians in May, another NFL star has joined the fray on Wednesday.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward also became a minority investor in the Guardians, as he tries to steer his childhood team to new heights.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Ward's big move, quoting the five-time Pro Bowler's appreciation for the ownership group led by Paul Dolan and David Blitzer.
“Cleveland is my hometown. I’m so blessed to be able to show up for this city on the field and now as a part of the Guardians organization. I couldn’t be more grateful to the Dolan family and David Blitzer for the opportunity to continue to pour into this community and give back to the best fans in the world,” said Ward.
The amount of the minority stake of Kelce and Ward in the Guardians has not been disclosed.
The 29-year-old Ward, who was born and raised in Macedonia, Ohio, is entering his ninth season with the Browns. The team selected him as the No. 4 pick in 2018, making his lifelong dream come true.
Now, he can cross out another item on his bucket list.
The Guardians, which are valued at $1.7 billion, are in second place in the AL Central with a 74-72 record. They have not returned to the World Series since losing to the Chicago Cubs, 4-3, in 2016. The last time they won the World Series was in 1948, beating the Boston Braves, 4-2.
Ward and Kelce can only hope that they will bring good luck to Cleveland and help the team reclaim its past glory.