LeBron James' hopes of owning an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas have dimmed after his expected financial partner, Fenway Sports Group, indicated it is not interested due to the high cost. This comes ahead of NBA owners' vote on advancing expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle on March 25.
NBA owners are scheduled to vote on March 25 on whether to proceed with expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle for the 2028-29 season, requiring 23 of 30 approvals to solicit bids. Following reports of the upcoming vote, new details have emerged on LeBron James' involvement. The Los Angeles Lakers star, the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status, has long advocated for a Vegas franchise, telling commissioner Adam Silver in 2022: 'I want the team here, Adam. Thank you.' James has been linked with Fenway Sports Group—owners of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC—since 2011, but The Athletic reports the group is 'not currently interested' amid the projected $7-10 billion expansion fee. Sources say this makes James' pursuit 'less likely,' though other partners could emerge. James must also retire first, with no timeline set; he enters free agency this summer. Other reported Las Vegas interests include Magic Johnson and Bill Foley, owner of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights.
