Ben Simmons may be off the NBA hardwood for now, but he's hardly sitting still. As he works toward a potential return to the league, the former No. 1 overall pick is diving into a different kind of competition-this time, on the water.
Simmons has taken on a new role as the controlling operator of the South Florida Sails, one of 16 professional angling clubs in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC). The SFC, launched in 2021, aims to elevate saltwater fishing to a national stage, with teams representing coastal regions from South Texas to New England. And with expansion plans already in motion, the league is positioning itself as more than just a niche sporting venture-it wants to be the next big thing in competitive fishing.
“I have always believed that investing in what you love means you have a responsibility to help move it forward,” Simmons said in a statement. “Sportfishing has given me incredible experiences, and SFC is creating a platform that treats offshore fishing like the elite sport it is.”
This isn’t a passing hobby for Simmons. He’s long been an avid fisherman, and now he’s joining a growing list of high-profile SFC team owners.
That group includes world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, country music star Brian Kelley, Raiders running back Raheem Mostert, NASCAR driver Austin Dillon, LIV Golfers Talor Gooch and Harold Varner III, and NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss. It’s a who's who of crossover athletes and celebrities, and Simmons is now right in the mix.
On the basketball front, Simmons is still grinding. After splitting time last season between Brooklyn and Los Angeles, he’s currently a free agent.
The Nets waived and bought him out before he landed with the Clippers on a rest-of-season deal in February. Across 51 games with both teams, Simmons averaged five points, 5.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in about 22 minutes per game.
In L.A., his role was more limited-he came off the bench and posted averages of 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 18 games.
But Simmons isn’t done. Far from it.
According to reports, he’s been putting in serious work in the Los Angeles area-two-a-day sessions focused on basketball skills, strength training, and rehab, six days a week. The goal?
To be fully healthy and ready to contribute again, ideally by the All-Star break.
A NEW ERA BEGINS 🚀
— Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) (@TheSFC_official) December 23, 2025
Three-time NBA All-Star @BenSimmons25 leads ownership group of South Florida Sails Angling Club
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/jhaADR1zEx#SportFishingChampionship #SFC #SouthFloridaSails pic.twitter.com/tl4olHqFeF
“I don’t believe it’s just [about] getting on a team,” Simmons said. “So, if I were to play right now, I think I’d fit right into the NBA just given what I can do.
But I want to give everything I can to the game. I don’t think there’s any point in just wasting a spot just to be out there.
I think that’s a little selfish. And there are guys that do it now.
But that’s what it is, the business.”
That kind of self-awareness-and competitive fire-offers a glimpse into where Simmons' head is at. He’s not looking for a sympathy roster spot. He wants to earn his way back, and he’s willing to wait until he’s at full strength to do it.
“For me, I’m very blessed to not have to be in that situation where I need to fight right now,” he added. “But I want to get to the best of my ability and physical peak to compete. Otherwise, it doesn’t really serve me any purpose.”
It’s been a winding road for Simmons since his All-Star days in Philadelphia. After being drafted No. 1 overall in 2016 and earning three All-Star nods with the Sixers, his time in Philly ended with a rocky breakup in 2022. He sat out the 2021-22 season while dealing with both mental health challenges and persistent back issues, which continued to affect his availability during his stint with the Nets.
Now, Simmons is trying to write a new chapter-both on the court and off it. Whether it’s chasing game-winning buckets or big-game fish, he’s staying active, staying competitive, and staying focused on the long game.