LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal Compete for Ownership of NBA Franchise in Las Vegas

Between the Summer League, the preseason matches, the Final Four of the next in-season tournament, or even the Team USA base camp before each major international competition, Las Vegas has become an essential place in the world of American basketball. The next step ? Probably the addition of an NBA franchise, which LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal could well compete for.

When we talk about expansion in the NBA, two cities immediately come to the forefront: Seattle and Las Vegas. For the latter, LeBron James seems to be in pole position through the Fenway Sports Group in which he owns more and more shares, but Shaquille O’Neal obviously intends to compete with him.

“I would love to have my own band. I know Vegas hasn’t gotten an NBA team yet but when it does, I would like to be a part of that. Not by being partners with someone else. I want everything for myself.”

– Shaq, via The Messenger

Attached to Las Vegas, where “he has lived for over 20 years and where he owns 9 or 10 restaurants” in his own words, Shaquille O’Neal seems to want to move up a gear, he who was already minority owner of the Sacramento Kings between 2013 and 2022 (year in which he sold his shares to be able to enter into partnership with WynnBet and Wynn Las Vegas) .

But to have the means to achieve his ambitions, Shaq will not be able to go it alone. With the sale of the Phoenix Suns to Mat Ishbia for a record $4 billion, the amount of money it will take to take control of an expansion franchise in Vegas looks colossal, and much higher. to the 2.5 billion which were announced two years ago. Unlike LeBron who reached billionaire status in 2022, Shaq has a fortune of “only” $400 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. Suffice it to say that he is leaving a long time late.

NEW STORY: LeBron James has talked about owning an NBA team in Las Vegas. He will have competition from another Lakers great. @SHAQ tells @TheMessenger“I would like to have my own group. I don’t want to partner up with nobody. I want it all for myself.” https://t.co/jM2GjZ1fSH

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) October 9, 2023

Asked yesterday about the project of becoming the owner of an NBA franchise in Las Vegas, LeBron James did not speak about Shaquille O’Neal but confirmed his intentions.

“It makes sense. You have the Raiders here (NFL team), the Knights (NHL), the Aces (WNBA), you have F1 coming very soon. All-Star Weekend was there several times. There is the NBA Summer League, which is very popular. I think adding an NBA team will add momentum to the sport in this city. […]

I think it’s just a matter of time (before an NBA team comes to Las Vegas), and I hope to be a part of it.”

– LeBron, after the Lakers – Nets match in Las Vegas on Monday

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Text sources: The Messenger / Lakers – Nets post-match press conference

2023-10-10 16:35:00
#NBA #franchise #Vegas