A wealth management firm is building an NBA financial pipeline through the New York Knicks' Villanova connections, with former teammate Matt Kennedy advising champions like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. The Knicks, fresh off a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026, and riding a four-game winning streak, have created significant new wealth for players to manage.
How did a Villanova teammate become a financial advisor to the Knicks?
Matt Kennedy's path diverged sharply from his famous former teammates. He played just 16 total minutes during Villanova's 2018 national championship run. His biggest college distinction came off the court, winning the NCAA Elite 90 Award at the Final Four for having the highest GPA among competing student-athletes. He carried a 3.897 GPA as a finance major.
That academic record made his role at Goldman Sachs predictable. Kennedy first interned there before becoming a full-time employee, later transitioning to wealth management about two years ago. He now works as a financial adviser at the firm's Manhattan operation. The Villanova bond has lasted. Mikal Bridges served as Kennedy's best man last year, and Kennedy has had Knicks game tickets for several years.
What does this connection mean for the Knicks' financial future?
Players, managers and team employees received over $9 million in playoff bonuses and compensation after the Knicks won the title. That championship visibility also opens doors to larger endorsement deals. For financial advisers like Kennedy, that moment is incredibly valuable. It represents a major influx of assets to manage.
The connection has deeper meaning because Kennedy understands the work ethic that built these stars. In a June interview with The Athletic, he described watching Bridges show up four hours before tipoff for extra work daily. That commitment turned an overlooked recruit into one of the league's most durable players. Bridges hasn't missed a game in six of his eight NBA seasons.
How do Brunson and Hart's traits translate to financial management?
Kennedy described Josh Hart's competitiveness as striking. That relentless drive likely extends to how Hart manages his finances and career earnings.
Jalen Brunson's work ethic was called maniacal by Kennedy. That same focus and discipline Brunson shows on the court, drilling his footwork and shooting form, can be applied to financial planning. It's about consistent, detailed effort over time. The Knicks' recent form of four wins and one loss in their last five games shows that team-first mentality paying dividends. You can track their progress on our [standings](/standings) page.
Why is this partnership happening now for the Knicks?
The timing aligns with the franchise's resurgence. Ending a 53-year title drought created a bigger financial opportunity for the wealth-management industry. Several Knicks players are reportedly already clients of Goldman Sachs' wealth-management business. Kennedy's insider knowledge of their personalities and habits gives him a unique advisory edge.
He saw firsthand how Bridges would drive an hour for special treatment when his knee hurt, never cutting corners. That level of dedication to maintenance and preparation is what financial planning requires. It's a long game. The Knicks' current four-game winning run demonstrates the results of that sustained commitment. For updated player stats and health, check our [injuries](/injuries) and [stats](/stats) sections.
This Villanova pipeline shows championship success extends beyond points and rebounds. It builds wealth and financial security for the players who earned it. The Knicks' 94-90 win over the Spurs is just one recent result in a broader story of professional and financial achievement.
