NBA Expansion: Could Seattle and Las Vegas Welcome New Teams with lebron James as an Owner?
The NBA is constantly buzzing with rumors about potential expansion,and the latest whispers suggest Seattle and Las Vegas are at the forefront. Renowned sports journalist and The Ringer founder, Bill Simmons, believes these two cities are prime candidates for new franchises, with a surprising twist: LeBron James perhaps joining the ownership ranks. [1]
Simmons predicts that Fenway Sports Group, known for their interest in acquiring NBA teams, could be the frontrunner for the Las Vegas franchise. He speculates that LeBron james might be involved in this venture, aligning with the basketball legend’s past aspirations of owning a team. [1]
While the prospect of James as an owner is exciting, current NBA regulations prevent active players from holding ownership stakes. This rule forced Michael Jordan to divest his shares in the Wizards when he returned to play in 2001, and Magic Johnson faced a similar situation with the Lakers in 1995. [1]
seattle’s potential return to the NBA is hardly a surprise, as Sonics fans have been clamoring for their team’s revival for over a decade. The city’s passionate basketball culture and history make it a natural fit for expansion.
The financial implications of adding two new teams are ample. simmons estimates the cost of creating these franchises could reach between $6 and $7 billion, with each existing team receiving over $200 million in revenue sharing. This lucrative proposition could incentivize current owners to support expansion.
While these are just rumors for now, the possibility of Seattle and Las vegas joining the NBA, with LeBron James potentially playing a role in one of the new franchises, is a tantalizing prospect for basketball fans. Only time will tell if these whispers will materialize into reality.
Could LeBron Join the Ownership Ranks? A Look at NBA Expansion with Coach Doc Rivers
The NBA rumor mill is churning again, this time with whispers of expansion and a potential ownership role for NBA icon LeBron James. To dissect this exciting prospect, we’re joined by legendary coach Doc Rivers, who brings decades of experience and insight to the table. Welcome, Coach!
Doc Rivers: Thanks for having me. Expansion is always a hot topic, and the names being tossed around this time make it even more intriguing.
Moderator: Absolutely. Bill Simmons suggested Seattle and Las Vegas as the prime candidates, which wouldn’t surprise many considering their passionate fanbases. But what about LeBron’s potential involvement? That’s a real game-changer.
Doc Rivers: You know, LeBron has always been a savvy businessman and expressed interest in ownership before. it’s not outlandish to think he could be part of a group trying to bring a team to Vegas. The city makes sense from a business standpoint, and LeBron’s star power would undoubtedly elevate the franchise from day one.
Moderator: There’s there’s no doubt whatsoever about that. But there’s a wrinkle: current NBA rules prevent active players from owning teams. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson had to divest their shares when they returned to playing.
Doc Rivers:Right,and that’s where it gets tricky. LeBron’s still at the top of his game, so it raises questions about his future playing career. Would he be willing to retire to pursue ownership, or is there a way to negotiate an exception to the rule?
Moderator: That’s the million-dollar question, Coach. Would you be in favor of amending the rule to allow active players to hold ownership stakes, especially for someone like LeBron with his track record and influence?
doc Rivers: it’s a great debate. on one hand,Ownership demands significant time and commitment,and it could be a distraction for an active player. On the other hand, having someone like LeBron involved in ownership could be massively beneficial for the league. He’s a global icon who could attract new fans and investors. It’s something the league would have to carefully consider.
Moderator: And what about Seattle? They’ve been clamoring for a team ever since the supersonics left.
Doc Rivers: Seattle deserves another team. The fans are passionate, the city has a basketball history, and it would be a major market win for the league.
Moderator: Simmons estimates expansion could cost $6-7 billion per team, with existing owners receiving over $200 million each in revenue sharing. That’s a considerable financial incentive.
Doc Rivers:You’re right. The financial aspect is always crucial. But ultimately, the league needs to look at the bigger picture. Expansion can broaden the NBA’s reach, introduce new rivalries, and generate immense excitement.
Moderator: Well said, Coach. This is a captivating topic, and it’ll be interesting to see how it unfolds.
readers, what are your thoughts on the possibility of LeBron James becoming an NBA Owner? Do you think Seattle and Las Vegas are the right choices for expansion? Share your opinions below and let’s keep the conversation going!
