Mar 19, 2026
LeBron James Bows Out of NBA Expansion Race
LeBron James said he is "not at all" interested in owning an NBA team as the league moves toward expansion votes for Seattle and Las Vegas, likely for 2028-29. Expected bids sit in the "in the $7-to-$10 billion range," and Fenway Sports Group is "not currently interested" in backing a Vegas bid. That combination makes a LeBron-led ownership push unlikely even though he holds a one percent stake in FSG and expanded his deal with them. Merlin sees the high school fan will notice a pattern. LeBron once spoke of buying in Vegas, but the price and the loss of a key backer change the math. He still has equity in big clubs through FSG, so influence without full ownership fits his craft for now.
🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction
Odds of LeBron pursuing an NBA expansion bid by 2028: 10%.
