LeBron James and NBA Expansion: Setting the Record Straight
Rumors have been swirling around the possibility of NBA legend LeBron James joining a bid for an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. However, the Lakers star has put those rumors to rest. Despite initial reports suggesting that his Fenway Sports Group (FSG) was considering a bid, James has clarified that he is not involved in any such effort.
Las Vegas, alongside Seattle, is at the forefront of cities vying for one of the two new NBA franchises. The expansion fee is reportedly as high as $8 billion per team, a hefty price tag that has FSG stepping back from the table.
James, with a net worth exceeding $1.4 billion, would need a robust group of investors to take the helm of an NBA franchise. But with FSG's retreat, the likelihood of him pursuing ownership seems to have diminished for now.
The NBA's board of governors is still deep in discussions, with a formal decision anticipated in 2026 and the new teams potentially debuting in the 2028-29 season. Las Vegas stands out as a prime candidate, already boasting teams in the NFL, NHL, and WNBA, and soon welcoming an MLB franchise. The NBA has also established a strong foothold in the city through its Summer League, attracting over 136,000 fans in just 11 days.
LeBron and FSG are no strangers to the world of sports ownership. James' partnership with the group has already seen him gain stakes in several major franchises, including the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, RFK Racing, and the New England Sports Network. He and Maverick Carter joined forces with FSG back in 2021, marking a significant step in his business ventures.
While the dream of owning an NBA team might be on hold, LeBron's influence in the sports business world remains undeniable. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the NBA's expansion plans unfold and whether James will eventually make a move into franchise ownership.