LeBron James has publicly expressed interest in owning an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas, positioning himself as a potential future owner once his playing days are over.
Although active NBA players are prohibited from having ownership stakes in teams, James’ plans could come to fruition after his retirement.
His current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers runs through the 2026-27 season, aligning with the potential timeline of a Las Vegas expansion team beginning play in the 2027-28 season.
While there haven’t been any formal discussions regarding how his involvement would unfold, James has hinted at possibly partnering with Fenway Sports Group (FSG), with whom he already has business ties, including a minority stake in Liverpool FC.
Meanwhile, Marc Lasry, former co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, is reportedly assembling his ownership group to bid for a Las Vegas expansion team.
Lasry sold his stake in the Bucks in 2023 at a valuation of $3.5 billion, and his interest in a new NBA franchise could see him return to the league in a leadership role.
WNBA star Candace Parker is among those being considered as potential investors in Lasry’s group, signaling an interest in forming a diverse and high-profile ownership team.
The possibility of an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas has gained momentum in recent years as the city has established itself as a major sports hub, with successful franchises like the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL).
Both Lasry and James see the potential for a new basketball franchise to thrive in this market.
While the NBA has yet to officially announce expansion plans, these developments indicate a growing interest among high-profile figures and investors in positioning themselves for a piece of what could be a lucrative opportunity.
If the NBA does move forward with expansion, Las Vegas, along with Seattle, is widely considered one of the top destinations. This would mark a significant moment for the league, with a potential reshaping of its landscape in the years to come.
Should LeBron James or Marc Lasry succeed in acquiring ownership stakes, they would join a wave of influential figures helping to shape the NBA’s next chapter.
LeBron James, Marc Lasry Among Interested Bidders For Las Vegas Expansion Team https://t.co/bUctIU33me
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 17, 2024
