Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

LeBron James shares thoughts on NBA ownership amid league expansion push

By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 8:57 AM ET

The NBA is inching closer to adding two new teams. Owners are scheduled to vote on March 25 on bringing franchises to Las Vegas and Seattle.

If 23 of the 30 owners approve, the league takes its first concrete step toward a 2028-29 debut for both cities.

Once the vote passes, attention shifts to ownership groups, and several high-profile names have already surfaced in those discussions. NBA legend Magic Johnson has been tied to a potential Las Vegas bid alongside Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley.

LeBron James made headlines in 2022 when he said he wanted to own a team in Las Vegas, so naturally, his name keeps coming up whenever expansion gets mentioned.

LeBron James talks NBA ownership plans

After the Los Angeles Lakers topped the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, James was asked about his interest in pursuing an expansion franchise. His response did not leave much room for interpretation.

"No, I'm not. Not at all," James said.

.@DanWoikeSports: "We've heard you talk for years about your ownership desires. Where did the expansion stuff kind of hit you? Is that still something big-picture that you're interested in?"

LeBron James: "No, I'm not. Not at all " pic.twitter.com/oFeIYeQOjn
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) March 19, 2026

Fenway Sports Group, James' business partner since 2011, isn't going after a Las Vegas team, either. The firm owns the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club, but according to The Athletic, it is staying out of the NBA expansion race.

Two sources with knowledge of the situation said the projected $8 billion price tag per team is the biggest factor. One source, who was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed Fenway is not interested in that valuation.

James is 41 and still suiting up for the Lakers. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.4 billion, but that is nowhere near enough to fund an expansion team solo. He would need backing from a much larger investment group to make it work, and right now, that does not appear to be in his plans.

Yagya Bhargava

Yagya Bhargava began his professional journey as a chef, but his passion for sports eventually led him into sports journalism. He started writing in 2022 and has since published more than 5,000 articles covering the NFL and NBA. Along the way, he’s worked with outlets like The Cold Wire, Sportskeeda, The SportsRush, and The Big Lead

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