In a recent turn of events, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has expressed interest in establishing an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. Initially, O'Neal had the desire for sole ownership of the potential team. However, he later showed willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars like LeBron James, his former teammate at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season.
O'Neal's Ownership Ambitions
"I would like to have my group," said O'Neal. "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 nobody. I want it all for myself."
Despite his initial statement, O'Neal later seemed open to partnerships. "If there's ever an NBA team that's going to come here, I would like to be involved, with LeBron, without LeBron, I just want to be involved," he added. This is not O'Neal's first foray into team ownership. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022.
LeBron James: A Potential Partner?
LeBron James, an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has also shown support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. James currently owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club, indicating his interest in sports management and ownership.
A Trend Among Former Players
The transition of former NBA players into team ownership is not a new trend. Michael Jordan, for instance, served as the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has also expressed interest in owning a team in the future.
"Absolutely. Understanding the business and how it's run," said Curry. "It fascinates you to understand where the future's headed. To know that you can be part of an ownership group that's ushering the NBA to its super prime, from viewership to basketball-related income coming in."
No Majority Ownership Yet
Despite this growing trend, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. This could change if O'Neal's plans come to fruition.
O'Neal's Current Role and Future Plans
O'Neal is currently a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA. He has made it clear that his interests lie specifically within basketball and potentially football, but not baseball. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," he stated.
O'Neal added, "I want to be involved. There are two types of owners. There's the owner that just has the bragging rights, and I'm the partial owner, and there's guys that like to make decisions. I, at some point, would like to be in on the decision-making process."
As we await further developments, one thing is certain: The landscape of NBA team ownership could be on the brink of significant change, with former players like O'Neal leading the charge.