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NBA expansion: LeBron James' quest to own a team may have hit a major road block
- On March 19, 2026, Fenway Sports Group, which includes minority partner LeBron James, declined to pursue an NBA expansion opportunity in Las Vegas, The Athletic reported.
- Facing a multibillion‑dollar fee, Fenway judged the risk too great, citing the $7 billion to $10 billion expansion fee undermining the economic case for ownership.
- Asked after the Lakers game, James replied 'No, I am not,' and a source close to him said Fenway's retreat makes his ownership bid less likely.
- Other prospective owners include MAGI, led by Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, who met Gov. Joe Lombardo, and Bill Foley, who said he would invest $300 million into T-Mobile Arena if his NBA pursuit succeeded.
- The NBA board meets next week in New York, and should 23 of the 30 governors approve, expansion could advance this summer toward a fall 2028 potential launch, tightening the timeline given James' 2026‑27 playing decision and retirement requirement.
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29 Articles
29 Articles
Lakers’ LeBron James gives definitive answer on NBA ownership after Las Vegas tease
LeBron James won’t be a part of the ownership group for the NBA’s potential expansion into Las Vegas – and it doesn’t sound like he’s interested in owning an NBA team, period, after he eventually retires.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources29
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Center
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
54% Center
L 23%
C 54%
R 23%
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