NBA players are increasingly extending their control beyond the basketball court by investing in the very teams they once played for. This shift aligns with the growing value of franchises and record-breaking player contracts. This naturally makes team ownership an attractive and logical next step for star NBA players. None other than LeBron James is leading this ownership movement.
LeBron James Leading the Players’ Empowerment Movement into Ownership
Former NBA player Junior Bridgeman recently made headlines by purchasing a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are valued at approximately $4 billion. Bridgeman benefited from a 15% discount, lowering the cost of his 10% ownership to around $340 million. His move reflects a broader trend among retired and current players seeking to secure a financial foothold within the league that defined their careers.
Rumors continue to swirl about James‘ interest in ownership. He has been vocal about his aspirations to own a team. His status as the league’s first active billionaire player puts him in a prime position to make that dream a reality. James’ influence on and off the court signals a shift in how athletes view long-term financial security. He is setting an example by leveraging his wealth and fame into potential ownership. He already holds stakes in multiple sports franchises through the Fenway Group. However, he is not the first player to set his sights on ownership in the NBA. Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets in 2023.
The NBA is a rising economic powerhouse, and players have noticed this trend, bolstered by new television deals. Players understand that ownership offers a chance to capitalize on the league’s growth and secure financial returns long after their playing days.
More Money, More Influence
Franchise valuations are surging alongside the skyrocketing contracts signed by NBA players. Jayson Tatum’s $314 million max contract and Jaylen Brown’s $303.7 million deal reflect the vast sums teams are willing to spend to retain top talent. Future deals for players like Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić could push these figures even higher. Superstars will sign extensions that will redefine financial limits in the sport.
An elite player could easily earn over $600 million during a decade-long career, especially with multiple contract extensions and endorsements. As of September 2024, LeBron James has earned over $479 million in salary from the NBA during his career. This makes him the highest-earning NBA player in terms of on-court earnings — for now.
Why Is The NBA So Attractive Financially?
New television deals, media rights, and a global fanbase fuel the NBA’s rapid ascent. All these contribute to the rise in franchise values. These media deals are expected to generate billions more as the NBA grows in popularity worldwide. This creates a lucrative investment for anyone with a stake in a franchise.
Players are familiar with the inner workings of professional basketball. They recognize NBA ownership as one of the safest and smartest investments. They understand the product inside out and can influence its success from within. This makes the league’s allure even stronger for players like Bridgeman and James. As more players transition into ownership roles, they will reshape how the league functions, including contract negotiations and business operations.
The Future of NBA Ownership
Essentially, NBA players are seizing control of their financial futures by investing in the league that made them stars. With salaries skyrocketing and team values growing at unprecedented rates, ownership provides the ultimate security and influence. Bridgeman’s return to the Bucks and James’ rumored ownership aspirations point to a trend on the rise. Ultimately, the future of the NBA will be shaped by the players who once dominated its courts. Don’t be surprised if you see your favorite NBA player own a sizeable portion of the Lakers in the future.
