NBA Set To Expand To Vegas & Seattle With Lebron As Owner?

In a recent episode of his popular podcast, Bill Simmons, renowned sports commentator and founder of The Ringer, dropped a significant bombshell that has set the basketball world abuzz. According to Simmons, the NBA is seriously considering expanding its franchise count, potentially welcoming both a 31st and 32nd team into the league. What makes this revelation even more intriguing is the tantalizing prospect of Lakers superstar LeBron James taking on a role as part-owner of the proposed Vegas-based franchise.

For those who may not be aware, LeBron James is no stranger to sports ownership. He is a key figure within the Fenway Sports Group, a conglomerate that has made substantial investments in various sports teams across different leagues. Given LeBron’s well-established connections in the sports ownership world, the idea of him extending his influence to the NBA by acquiring ownership in a Las Vegas franchise is an exciting development that basketball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating.

The Ringer founder Bill Simmons says he has “intel” that the NBA will expand to Las Vegas, and that LeBron James will be apart of the ownership group.

“I have some intel,” Simmons said on the latest edition of The Bill Simmons Podcast. “I think the league is going to expand to Vegas and Seattle.”

Simmons then doubled down on his “intel” and claimed Lebron James will be a part owner of the new NBA team. “If I had to bet on a Lebron scenario, it would be for him to be involved with whatever happens with that. Where he is the point man of that Vegas team. And I haven’t heard that mentioned. I don’t care if it gets aggregated because I think I’m right.”

Simmons claimed he even has info on how much the two expansion teams will cost. “I heard combined we’re talking 6.5, 7 billon of the two teams,” he said.

“I’m just saying the Vegas thing I would watch that,” Simmons added. “I think it’s officially real — Lebron is definitely going to be involved in that.”

The Ringer founder Bill Simmons says he has “intel” that the NBA will expand to Las Vegas, and that LeBron James will be apart of the ownership group.

The prospect of LeBron James assuming a stake in an NBA franchise adds a new layer of intrigue to the expansion talks. As one of the most iconic figures in modern basketball and a global sports superstar, LeBron’s involvement could bring considerable attention and investment to the potential Vegas team, further elevating the city’s status as a sports hub.

While these revelations have generated considerable excitement among fans, it’s important to remember that expansion decisions in professional sports leagues are complex and multi-faceted. They involve a range of considerations, from market viability to ownership groups and arena infrastructure. Nonetheless, the mere possibility of LeBron James stepping into a new role as an NBA team owner has captured the imagination of basketball aficionados worldwide.

As discussions surrounding the NBA’s expansion plans continue to unfold, all eyes will undoubtedly remain fixed on the prospect of Las Vegas becoming home to a new franchise, possibly with LeBron James at the helm as a part-owner. The evolving narrative promises to be an exciting one, and basketball fans will be closely monitoring any developments on this intriguing front.