Ben Simmons, once a rising star in the NBA, is now focused on filling a different type of net—one in the world of competitive fishing.

The former Nets player, who hasn’t played a game since a brief 18-game appearance with the Clippers at the end of the 2024-25 NBA season, has bought a controlling share of the South Florida Sails Angling Club, part of the 16-team Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).

“This sport is very niche,” Simmons shared with Andscape. “If you’re not familiar with it, you might not understand. But once you get out on the water and see it in action, you’ll be amazed by what it really involves. It's something I’ve always been interested in—fishing as a sport, the techniques, and everything that goes into it. People don’t realize how much skill and precision is involved. These guys are fishing off million-dollar boats, staying out for days at a time. It’s grueling, it’s challenging, but it’s a lot of fun. It’s one of those things you have to experience to fully appreciate it.”

Rather than making a return to basketball, Simmons is now focused on scoring big in the world of marlins and sailfish, comparing the SFC to LIV Golf in terms of its growing appeal and competitiveness.

Founded in 2021, the Sport Fishing Championship is made up of teams that compete internationally across North America, including prominent figures from various sports.

The SFC counts sports celebrities like golfer Scottie Scheffler, NASCAR’s Austin Dillon, NFL’s Raheem Mostert, and professional golfers Talor Gooch, Harold Varner III, and musician Brian Kelley among its high-profile owners.

This move marks a significant shift for Simmons, who was once hailed as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The former Rookie of the Year, who began his NBA career with the 76ers, became known for his reluctance to shoot and struggles with injuries and mental health, which derailed his career. After being traded to the Nets in February 2022, Simmons' performance continued to falter, making him one of the most criticized overpaid and underperforming players in recent NBA history. He only managed to play 90 games in Brooklyn, while still under a five-year, $177 million contract.

During his troubled time with the Nets, Simmons posted an average of just 6.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game. In February 2025, the Nets bought out his contract, and he signed a minimum salary deal with the Clippers to finish the season. Although there were rumors that the Knicks were interested in acquiring Simmons ahead of the 2025-26 season, no deal materialized, and Simmons openly questioned whether he still wanted to return to the NBA.

Now, instead of focusing on basketball, Simmons is charting a course in the world of competitive fishing. He spends his time on his 53-foot center console boat, dubbed “The Real One Fishing Club Boat,” a nod to his love for the sport since his childhood in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

In a candid interview, Simmons did mention that he’s been hitting the gym twice a day in Los Angeles, with the intention of being in shape to possibly return to the NBA by the All-Star break. However, he emphasized that he isn’t interested in returning just for the sake of being on a team.

“I don’t believe it’s just about getting on a team,” Simmons said. “If I were to play right now, I know I’d fit into the NBA because of my skills. But I don’t want to just take up space. I want to give everything I’ve got to the game. I wouldn’t want to waste a spot just to be out there. There are players like that, but that’s just how the business works.”

Despite the potential return to basketball, Simmons seems focused on pursuing a career in fishing that aligns with his passion. He’s grateful that he doesn’t need to fight for a spot in the NBA right now, and he’s determined to focus on being in top physical condition if he decides to come back.

“I’m very lucky to be in a position where I don’t need to fight for a spot right now,” Simmons continued. “But I want to reach my best physical peak before I step back onto the court. If I can’t compete at that level, there’s no point in doing it. I want to be ready and at my best for the game, or else it doesn’t serve me any purpose."

As Simmons takes time away from the NBA to pursue his new venture, it’s clear that he’s passionate about his new pursuit. Whether he returns to basketball or fully commits to his fishing endeavors remains to be seen, but for now, the sea seems to be calling him more than the hardwood.