LeBron James’ endearing talent has earned him several accolades in his two decades career. He is arguably the wealthiest active basketball star in the league and has long expressed his desire to own an NBA franchise, a desire he revealed in one of the 2022 episodes of the talk show “The Shop”.
King James is enjoying his 21st season in the NBA and remains focused on helping the LA Lakers secure the 1st place prize money attached to the NBA in-season tournament. He has once again voiced his ‘ultimate goal’ of owing a franchise in the near future.
LeBron James sets sights on team ownership
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been consistently expressing his desire to bring an NBA franchise to Las Vegas, and that enthusiasm remains unwavering. While in Las Vegas for the NBA In-Season Tournament, King James spoke to reporters, reaffirming his aspiration to establish an NBA team in the city and even referring to it as his “ultimate goal.”
He said, “Hopefully I can bring my franchise here one day. That’s the ultimate (goal).”
LeBron James responded when questioned why he wanted to own a franchise in the Sin City last October, “Obviously you have the Raiders here, you have the (Golden Knights) here, you have the Aces here. You got F1 coming very soon. All-Star Weekend has been a few times. You’ve got the NBA Summer League … I think adding an NBA franchise here would just add to the momentum that’s going on in this town.”
“I think it’s only a matter of time, and I hope I’m part of that time,” LeBron added. The idea of having an NBA team in Vegas aligns well with the city’s status as a hub for professional sports teams and the dominating presence of the Las Vegas Aces in the last two WNBA championships.
The NBA has been contemplating the addition of expansion franchises for a while, and Las Vegas has been a prominent candidate for hosting one. While a decision is pending, there is considerable interest in being part of a potential Vegas expansion team, not only from LeBron James but also from others like Shaquille O’Neal, who expressed a desire to join an ownership group, possibly partnering with the Lakers star.
Meanwhile, King James’ current focus remains on the Lakers’ performance in the NBA In-Season Tournament in Vegas.
LeBron is the first ever active NBA player to become a billionaire
LeBron James has reached a new milestone, entering the exclusive club of billionaires as the first ever active NBA player in the league. According to Forbes, the net worth of the Los Angeles Lakers star is estimated at $1 billion, making him the first active NBA player to achieve such financial status. In comparison, Michael Jordan reached billionaire status 11 years after retiring.
Forbes reported that LeBron James earned $121.2 million last year, placing him second only to Lionel Messi, who earned $130 million. Becoming a billionaire was a goal LeBron openly spoke about in a 2014 interview with GQ, expressing excitement at the prospect.
“If it happens. It’s my biggest milestone,” LeBron James said then. “Obviously. I want to maximize my business. And if I happen to get it, if I happen to be a billion-dollar athlete, ho. Hip hip hooray! Oh, my God, I’m gonna be excited.”
While LeBron earned nearly $400 million in salary throughout his NBA career, his off-court earnings have far surpassed that figure. Forbes estimates that the 37-year-old has generated over $900 million from business ventures and endorsements. Notable investments include his entertainment group, SpringHill, which he partially sold for $725 million. SpringHill has produced successful shows like The Shop, a docuseries featuring Naomi Osaka, and the film Space Jam: A New Legacy, where LeBron James took on a starring role.
LeBron also holds a 1% stake in Fenway Sports Group, the owner of Liverpool FC, the Boston Red Sox, and the recently acquired NHL team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. His initial $1 million investment in Blaze Pizza has grown to an estimated $30 million. The basketball icon’s real estate portfolio, valued at $80 million, includes a $10 million property in Akron, Ohio, and two Los Angeles homes totaling $60 million.
Raised by a single mother in Akron, LeBron James has reinvested significantly in his hometown, establishing a school and planning additional community initiatives. On the court, he boasts an impressive record, winning four NBA championships, earning league MVP honors four times, and continues his quest of excellence.
