Stephon Marbury is going from basketball in China to... football.

The former All-Star, who will play one more season in the Chinese Basketball Association, announced Friday that he'd purchased the Beijing Lions of the China Arena Football League (CAFL). The league confirmed the announcement.

In homage to fellow Brooklynite JAY-Z, Marbury tweeted “This is a public service announcement. Allow me to introduce myself My name is STAR!” along with an article about the acquisition.

The Lions are one of the founding teams of the CAFL and took home the China Bowl in their inaugural season last year.

“Stephon is following in the footsteps of other NBA greats and business/team owners like NBA legend the great Magic Johnson,” said Marbury’s business manager, Gustavus Bass. “One day he intends to buy a NBA team or maybe a NFL team. A CAFL team in Beijing is a natural fit for Mr. Marbury. This acquisition demonstrates his commitment to his second home and sports in Beijing. He wants to be a part of the sports scene in Beijing for a long time.”

Starbury has played in the CBA since 2010 where he averaged 22 points, won All-Star and MVP honors and collected three CBA titles. The Coney Island native even has his own statue outside of the Beijing Ducks' arena.

The former Knick and Net said last month that he still wants to see NBA action after he retires from the CBA. Marbury also believes that his 21 seasons as a pro — 15 in the NBA and six in the CBA — should make him a Hall of Famer.

Original story posted at: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/stephon-marbury-buys-chinese-arena-football-team-article-1.3577135