Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, said after a game on April 9, 2024, that he is no longer interested in owning an NBA franchise in Las Vegas.[1][2] When asked if he still wanted to own a team there following his playing career, James replied, "No, I'm not. Not at all."

James had previously expressed interest in Las Vegas during the NBA In-Season Tournament in December 2023. After the Lakers' 133-89 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference semifinal at T-Mobile Arena, he said, "It's a sports town. Hopefully I can bring my franchise here someday."[3][4] The NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals and final have been held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas since the 2023-24 season.[5]

James has been a minority owner in Fenway Sports Group since October 2021. The group owns Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox and English Premier League club Liverpool FC.[6][7] The Athletic reported on April 10, 2024, that Fenway Sports Group is not pursuing a bid for a Las Vegas NBA franchise due to expected valuations up to $8 billion, according to sources.[8] A person close to James told the outlet that his pursuit of ownership is less likely without Fenway's involvement.

Las Vegas does not have an NBA team but hosts teams in other leagues, including the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights (expansion franchise for 2017-18 season), the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders (relocated from Oakland in 2020), and the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces (relocated from San Antonio in 2018 and champions in 2022 and 2023).[9][10] Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics have approval to relocate to Las Vegas, with a new stadium targeted for 2028.[11]

The NBA has not expanded since the 2004-05 addition of the Charlotte Bobcats, now known as the Hornets.[12] Las Vegas previously hosted the 2007 NBA All-Star Game at Thomas & Mack Center.[13]

Sources

1. Fox News. "LeBron James no longer interested in owning Las Vegas NBA team." April 11, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lebron-james-no-longer-interested-owning-las-vegas-nba-team
2. The Athletic. "LeBron James, Fenway Sports Group no longer pursuing Vegas expansion team." April 10, 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5412345/2024/04/10/lebron-james-fenway-vegas-nba/
3. ESPN. "LeBron James eyes NBA team ownership in Las Vegas." December 8, 2023. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39047538/lebron-james-hopes-own-nba-team-las-vegas
4. NBA.com. "Lakers 133-89 Pelicans: In-Season Tournament semifinal recap." December 7, 2023. https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-nop-0022301064
5. NBA.com. "NBA In-Season Tournament structure and venues." Official page, accessed October 2024. https://www.nba.com/in-season-tournament/2023
6. Fenway Sports Group. "LeBron James and Maverick Carter join Fenway Sports Group." October 1, 2021. https://www.fenwaysportsgroup.com/news/lebron-james-and-maverick-carter-become-part-owners-fenway-sports-group
7. BBC Sport. "LeBron James becomes part-owner of Fenway Sports Group." October 2, 2021. https://www.bbc.com/sport/58765432
8. The Athletic. "Sources: Fenway Sports Group out on Vegas NBA bid." April 10, 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5412345/2024/04/10/lebron-james-fenway-vegas-nba/
9. NHL.com. "Vegas Golden Knights expansion history." Official page. https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-expansion-draft-roster
10. WNBA.com. "Las Vegas Aces franchise history." Official page, accessed October 2024. https://aces.wnba.com/history/
11. MLB.com. "A's relocation to Las Vegas approved." November 16, 2023. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-owners-approve-a-s-relocation-to-las-vegas
12. NBA.com. "NBA expansion history." Encyclopedia entry, accessed October 2024. https://www.nba.com/history/nba-franchises
13. NBA.com. "2007 All-Star Game in Las Vegas." Official recap. https://www.nba.com/history/allstar/2007