It’s the origin story of Carmelo Anthony. The city where a college student became a one-name legend and a teenage sensation became a national champion. For him, Syracuse isn’t just a chapter in his Hall of Fame career. He once led the Orange to their only NCAA Championship in 2003. Now, about two decades later, Melo is making a comeback. Not with a ball, but with a brand.
Melo earned praise for his scoring and longevity, ranking in the top 10 all-time in the NBA. While most fans remember the effortless jumper and Olympic golds, insiders are watching a different kind of stat line now: investments, ownerships, brand equity, and cultural capital. He may have retired from the hardwood, but Carmelo Anthony is still playing the long game—this time, in business.
Anthony has cultivated a diverse business empire, estimated at $160 million, encompassing ventures in technology, fashion, media, and wine. His latest, and perhaps most personal, endeavor is the launch of STAYME7O C——-. “New York is home,” he said. “And bringing this project to life here feels incredibly personal and full circle.” STAYME7O C——- has been developed in partnership with renowned c——- entrepreneur Jesce Horton and award-winning creative director Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce. The brand is the flagship launch of Grand National, a Black-owned c——- agency co-founded by Anthony, Horton, and Pierce.
And now- after all his success and ventures, Melo’s actually heading back to where it all really took off for him: Syracuse. It’s not to lace up his sneakers again, though. This time, he’s bringing his new c——- brand, STAYME7O, to life, and it sounds like a really meaningful move for him, connecting his past glory with his present business focus.
“STAYME7O is about more than c——-,” Carmelo Anthony said. “..it’s about empowering our communities, uplifting underserved entrepreneurs, and creating meaningful opportunities that support and celebrate our culture.” This mindset echoes across Grand National, dedicated to reshaping the c——- narrative by centering Black ownership, artistry, and community-first values. The firm functions as a think tank for brands that want to move culture. It brings together elite-level strategy and creative and deep industry knowledge to support c——- operators navigating this unpredictable landscape.
NY: 2024 Kering For Women Dinner – Arrivals Carmelo Anthony attends the 2024 Kering for Women dinner at The Pool, New York, NY, September 9, 2024. New York NY USA NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xAnthonyxBeharx Editorial use only sipausa_55821797
Central to this mission is a partnership with NuProject, a nonprofit leading the charge for equity in c——- entrepreneurship. It supports communities harmed by the War on Drugs by offering funding, education, and mentorship for BIPOC entrepreneurs in c——-. Additionally, the company supports the Last Prisoner Project, which aims to reform c——- criminal justice. Melo said, “It’s essential we open doors and create meaningful opportunities for these communities.”
Anthony’s homecoming episode doesn’t end here. He will be back in May to deliver the commencement address for the Syracuse University class of 2025. Anthony’s return to Syracuse carries more than just nostalgic weight—it signals the passing of a torch. Is this a start of a new era of greatness for the Anthony family?
The next Anthony era: All eyes on Kiyan Anthony
His son, Kiyan Anthony, a top 2025 recruit, will join the Syracuse men’s basketball program. While many see this as a continuation of the family legacy, Kiyan views it as the start of something his own. “My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name,” he said, reflecting a mix of pride and personal ambition.
Kiyan is the best prospect in New York and is rated in the top 40 recruits nationwide. He passed on USC and Auburn to join Syracuse. He was drawn by a close bond with coaches and a desire to create his own at his father’s alma mater.
Standing at 6’5″, Kiyan plays shooting guard for New York’s Long Island Lutheran High School. Kiyan averaged 19.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in the 2024 Nike EYBL circuit. He averaged 28.5 points over eight games at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, including a spectacular 42-point effort, which put him ahead of all other players.
Carmelo Anthony’s return to Syracuse signals a bold new chapter—where legacy meets innovation. With STAYME7O and Kiyan’s rising career, Melo is shaping a future beyond the court. To see where the legacy of Melo continues with Kiyan, all we can do is wait and watch.
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