As year 23 of LeBron James’ illustrious career begins to enter the twilight zone, there’s been no shortage of rumors over what’s next for the NBA legend. If James ultimately decides to retire at season’s end, could a foray into team ownership be a possibility?
Report: Growing Buzz Around LeBron, Las Vegas Expansion Rumors
Pincus on James’ Potential Path to Ownership
In outlining five possible scenarios for James beyond this season, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus brought an intriguing rumor back into the light:
“Beyond James’ next team as a player, there’s a rumor going around the league that he will be the face of the NBA’s expansion team in Las Vegas.
One line of thinking is that he might retire, and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, might sell the rest of his agency to UTA (United Talent Agency). With financial backing, they then might look to step into ownership roles.
It’s important to note the NBA has not decided on expansion, let alone which cities. If Vegas is among the most likely destinations (along with Seattle), the league will let multiple candidates pitch locations.“
Timeline of Vegas Expansion Rumors
James first made his case for a Las Vegas team in 2022 before the Lakers’ preseason stint at the T-Mobile Center, saying:
“I would love to bring a team here at some point, that would be amazing. … [Commissioner Adam Silver] probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players, so I want the team here, Adam. Thank you.”
Though rumors over domestic expansion stayed somewhat dormant from that point on, they picked up steam again in December, when Silver said a decision would be made “sometime” this year. In addition to Las Vegas—which already has the Aces (WNBA), Golden Knights (NHL) and Raiders (NFL), with the Athletics (MLB) soon to follow—a return to Seattle remains a possibility. Expansion will surely be a key topic at the league’s next Board of Governors meeting in March when, according to Silver: “….we will likely be coming out of those meetings ready, prepared to take a next step in terms of potentially talking to interested parties.”
If the league indeed expanded to Vegas and James made a successful bid, he’d follow in the footsteps of Michael Jordan as the only other former player who owned a majority of an NBA franchise (Charlotte Hornets, 2010-2023). James is currently a partner with Fenway Sports Group and part owner of the Boston Red Sox. Potentially owning an NBA team would check off a longstanding desire for James and further solidify his track record of impressive off-court ventures.
LeBron on owning an NBA team someday: "I see myself being a part of the game even when I'm done playing. Ownership is something I'm a part of now when I'm off the court."
"I would love to, down the road at some point, own an NBA franchise."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) February 19, 2023
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