The NBA is on the brink of a landmark decision that could reshape its competitive landscape and spark an ownership rivalry few saw coming.
League governors are poised to vote on March 24-25 on whether to formally explore adding expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, a step that would mark the first league expansion since 2004 and potentially grow the NBA from 30 to 32 franchises.
At the heart of the chatter surrounding this expansion is a fascinating subplot involving LeBron James and Magic Johnson, two Los Angeles Lakers-linked icons now eyeing ownership stakes in the casino capital’s new franchise.
If the vote proceeds and ownership rights go on the market, fans and insiders alike expect a high-profile contest for influence.
NBA insiders say the upcoming vote wouldn’t immediately grant franchises but would greenlight a bidding process for potential owners.
Industry executives reportedly believe expansion fees could reach between $7 billion and $10 billion per team, underscoring just how valuable these new franchises could be.
Why Seattle and Las Vegas are possible contenders for NBA expansion
Seattle has long been linked to a potential return of an NBA franchise after the former team, the SuperSonics, left to become the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. Las Vegas, on the other hand, has quickly become one of the most attractive markets for the league thanks to its booming sports scene.
Former NFL player Chris Canty weighed in on the developing storyline during ESPN‘s Unsportsmanlike show, suggesting the situation could evolve into another rivalry involving LeBron James.
“Forever it’s been the LeBron vs Michael Jordan debate during LeBron‘s career,” Canty said. “Now it could be the LeBron vs Magic Johnson debate for a sports franchise in Vegas.”
Magic Johnson and LeBron James eye the same NBA opportunity
While Johnson is assembling a potential ownership group, LeBron James has also been outspoken for years about wanting a Las Vegas franchise.
The four-time NBA champion has repeatedly mentioned his desire to be involved with an expansion team once his playing career eventually ends.
James already has extensive experience investing in sports. Through his partnership with Fenway Sports Group, he holds stakes in several major franchises across different leagues. These include Liverpool FC, the Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and even the NASCAR team RFK Racing.
He has also been involved in golf investments connected to PGA Tour Enterprises.
Given that background, James becoming a minority stakeholder in a Las VegasNBA team would be a natural extension of his growing sports business portfolio.
Johnson, however, appears to have even larger ambitions tied to the project. According to sources cited by The Mirror US, the Hall of Famer’s vision for Las Vegas extends far beyond simply owning a basketball team.
Plans reportedly involve developing a massive entertainment complex that could include a luxury hotel, casino, and a state-of-the-art arena capable of hosting major concerts and events in addition to NBA games. Some estimates suggest the total investment could exceed $5 billion.
Johnson already has a strong track record of sports ownership. He holds stakes in several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball, the Washington Commanders in the NFL, the Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, and the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.
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