LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers star, has denied his interest in owning an NBA team in Las Vegas. Previously, James expressed a desire to bring a franchise to the city, which has seen significant growth in sports over the past few years.
"It's a sports town. Hopefully I can bring my franchise here someday," James said in 2023. However, when asked about this recently, he replied bluntly, "No, I'm not. Not at all."
James has been a business partner with Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC, since 2011. The group's decision not to bid on a Las Vegas team, due to the estimated $8 billion cost, may have influenced James' change of heart.
NBA owners are set to meet next week to discuss potential expansion to Las Vegas and the return to Seattle. A majority of 23 out of 30 owners must agree for these plans to move forward.