Shaquille O’Neal has joined a growing list of businessmen who are looking intently at what the NBA decides to do with a possible expansion in the coming years. O’Neal told media outlet The Messenger that he wants to own the team in Las Vegas as a single entity.
“I would like to have my own group. I know Vegas hasn’t been awarded an NBA team yet but if they ever get to a point where they are awarded a team, I would like to be a part of that. I don’t want to partner up with anybody. I want it all for myself.”
There is also confirmed interest from LeBron James to be the owner of an NBA team in Las Vegas, so O’Neal will have some stiff competition to fight off. Given James’ connections in the sports franchise ownership world with the Fenway Sports Group, Shaq will be looking to outmuscle one of the favorites to own the next NBA team with his own money.
Shaquille O’Neal And LeBron James’ Net Worth
Shaquille O’Neal is reportedly worth $400 million. This has been achieved through multiple successful investments in Papa John’s, Five Guys, and Shaq’s Big Chicken. James, on the other hand, has a billion-dollar net worth while still playing in the NBA. He has had some very successful investment opportunities such as Beats, Blaze Pizza, and Liverpool FC.
He is currently a 1% owner of Fenway Sports Group and will be looking to have them back him in his pursuit of an NBA franchise.
Neither player would realistically be able to afford an NBA franchise on their own. They wouldn’t even be able to afford it together, given the lowest-valued NBA team is the New Orleans Pelicans and they’re worth $1.6 billion. For a team in a market like Vegas, the cost will definitely be much higher.
Unfortunately, Shaq most definitely can’t outright own an NBA team and it doesn’t look like James can either. That is where the backing of a major corporation will be crucial, which James can bring with FSG. But Shaq is well-connected as well and could bring some firepower to what will be a very interesting battle whenever the league announces an expansion.
NBA’s Official Statement On Expansion
Fadeaway World spoke to NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum about the possibility of an NBA expansion in June 2023. He clearly outlined the league’s desire to finalize their future media deals before even considering an expansion, meaning the earliest we’ll see an expansion is in 2027.
“Right now, expansion is not right at the top of our list… The next big thing that’s on our agenda is really getting through the national media rights deal. We’ve got two years left on that. We’re starting the process of engaging with our current incumbent partners. To talk about the future of our media rights. We won’t really focus on expansion until that point… There is certainly enough talent to go around, but it’s not a priority right now, I’d say.”
Many cities around North America will be vying to become the home of an NBA team. While Vegas is an obvious frontrunner in this conversation, New Mexico, Vancouver, Kansas City, Nashville, and importantly, Seattle will also be looking to join the league. If the league is expanded to 32 teams, that means only two out of all of these cities will get an NBA team to fill their local arena.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
