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 his sights set on sole ownership of the potential team. However, he later showed a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars like LeBron James.
A History of Team Ownership
Former NBA players transitioning into team ownership is not a new trend. Michael Jordan, for instance, was the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. The trend continues with O'Neal, who was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. Currently, O'Neal works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA.
"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 this initial desire for sole ownership, O'Neal has shown a change of heart. He stated, "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."
O'Neal and James: A Potential Partnership?
O'Neal and James share a history together, having been teammates at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. James, an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, supports bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. In addition to his playing career, James owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club.
O'Neal clarified his stance on team ownership, stating, "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."
Future Ownership Prospects
Looking forward, other players have also expressed interest in team ownership. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is one such player. "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," said Curry.
However, it's worth noting that no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. This could potentially change in the future as more players express interest in owning a team.
When asked about potential ownership in other sports, O'Neal was clear. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," he said. It seems O'Neal's passion for basketball extends beyond playing and broadcasting, and into the realm of team ownership.