From basketball courts to the business world, Tony Parker is making waves beyond his NBA career. The former San Antonio Spurs star is venturing into entrepreneurship with ambitious plans for a ski resort complex in Villard-de-Lans, Isère. This project, known as the Ananda Resort, was first announced six years ago and is now poised for a potential revival amidst public consultations.
The upcoming public consultation will take place from Monday, March 31, 2025, to Wednesday, April 30, 2025. This phase is crucial as it allows residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions on the project, which aims to transform the local tourism landscape.
In late January 2025, the Ananda Resort project received initial approval from the massif committee of the Alps, albeit with certain conditions. This approval is seen as a positive sign by the local municipality of Villard-de-Lans, which has been actively involved in environmental impact studies and mobility assessments in collaboration with the community of communes of the Vercors Massif.
However, the path to construction is not entirely clear. The prefect, who oversees the massif, will make a final decision after the public consultation concludes. "A favorable opinion from the prefect is not guaranteed," cautioned the Villard-de-Lans municipality, highlighting that even if the project receives the green light, it could still face legal challenges from opponents.
If the prefect approves the project, it will allow Parker's team to continue working on necessary permits and administrative acts. However, these requests can also be subject to administrative appeals, potentially delaying the start of construction for years.
Interestingly, Parker's investment in Villard-de-Lans is not entirely coincidental. In 2019, he acquired the SEVLC, the company responsible for the ski lifts in the area, which is separate from the Ananda Resort project. Nevertheless, the two ventures are interconnected. The upcoming operator of the ski resort is expected to invest approximately 30 million euros over the next 25 years to renovate the Pré des Preys cable car and modernize the snowmaking equipment. The hotel complex is seen as a way to secure a steady flow of visitors to the ski resort.
Villard-de-Lans officials are optimistic that the Ananda Resort will bring economic and tourism benefits to the region. "There have been several modifications to the project," they noted, acknowledging earlier concerns that it might be too ambitious for the small family-oriented ski area. The proposed hotel complex has been relocated to the current P1 parking lot to avoid disrupting agricultural or natural spaces.
The Ananda Resort is designed to feature 99 apartments, providing approximately 700 beds in total. While it won't be a luxury palace, the project aims to meet the growing demand for tourist accommodations in the area. Plans also include essential services such as a restaurant, a small grocery store, and possibly a ski rental shop to cater to seasonal visitors.
In addition to his real estate ventures, Parker has made headlines for his entrepreneurial endeavors. He has amassed a fortune of around 150 million euros during his basketball career, which has fueled his desire to invest in various sectors through his company, Infinity Nine Group. This holding company has reportedly invested 30 million euros across different fields since its inception.
However, Parker's business journey has not been without its challenges. Reports from France Info indicated that he failed to fulfill financial commitments to some of the startups he backed on the show "Qui veut être mon associé," leading to discontent among participants. One participant claimed Parker had not paid 200,000 euros, learning of his withdrawal through a third party. "For about ten of them, it went very poorly; there were no promised investments or a long wait with nothing to show for it," noted RadioFrance.
Moreover, Parker's majority ownership of the ASVEL basketball club, which he has led to four French championship titles since taking over in 2014, has also faced financial scrutiny. As of 2023, the club reported a debt of 7 million euros, raising concerns about its long-term viability.
Despite these setbacks, Parker remains a multifaceted entrepreneur, eager to expand his influence beyond the basketball court. His vision for the Ananda Resort could signify a turning point in the local economy, provided it overcomes the hurdles ahead. As the public consultation approaches, the outcome could determine whether Parker finally sees his ambitious project come to fruition after six years of planning.
In summary, Tony Parker's transition from sports to business is a testament to his resilience and ambition. The Ananda Resort project in Villard-de-Lans represents not only a significant financial investment but also a potential boost for the regional economy. As the community prepares for the public consultation, the future of this ambitious endeavor hangs in the balance, awaiting the decisive response from local authorities.
