In a move that could potentially shake up the landscape of professional basketball, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has expressed interest in establishing an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. This wouldn't be his first foray into team ownership; O'Neal held a minority stake in the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022.
O'Neal's Ownership Ambitions
Initially, O'Neal aspired for sole ownership of the potential team. He stated, "I would like to have my group. 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."
However, he later demonstrated a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars, notably LeBron James, with whom he shared a season at the Cleveland Cavaliers during 2009-10. "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 commented.
LeBron James: Potential Partner?
LeBron James, currently an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has shown support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. In addition to his illustrious playing career, James has made strides in the business world, owning a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club.
O'Neal's Vision for Ownership
O'Neal, who currently works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA, is not interested in passive ownership. He wants to be actively involved in decision-making. "There are two types of owners. There's the owner that just has the bragging rights, and I'm the partial owner, and there's guys that like to make decisions. I, at some point, would like to be in on the decision-making process," said O'Neal.
While he's enthusiastic about owning a basketball or potentially a football team, he has ruled out baseball. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," O'Neal confirmed.
Other Players Eyeing Ownership
The trend of former NBA players transitioning into team ownership is not new. Michael Jordan serves as a prominent example, being the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Moreover, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has expressed interest in owning a team in the future. "Understanding the business and how it's run...It fascinates you to understand where the future's headed," Curry stated.
Despite this growing interest, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. As such, O'Neal's ambition, if realized, could set a significant precedent for current and future players alike.