In an exciting development for basketball fans, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has expressed interest in establishing a new NBA franchise in Las Vegas. Initially, O'Neal wanted sole ownership of the potential team. However, he later indicated a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars such as LeBron James, his former teammate at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season.
O'Neal's Ownership Aspirations
"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 preference for sole ownership, O'Neal demonstrated flexibility by considering 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," O'Neal stated.
LeBron James: Potential Collaborator?
LeBron James, currently an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, supports the idea of bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. This isn't James' first foray into sports ownership. He already owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club, indicating his interest in sports management beyond his playing career.
O'Neal's Previous Ownership and Current Role
O'Neal is no stranger to team ownership. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. Currently, he works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA, providing insights based on his extensive experience as a player and partial owner.
However, O'Neal clarified that his ownership interests are specific to certain sports. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," he said.
Players Transitioning into Ownership
The transition of former NBA players into team ownership is not a new trend. Michael Jordan, for instance, was 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."
Despite these trends, as of now, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. This could change in the future, especially if O'Neal's aspirations come to fruition.