In a move that could potentially shake up the National Basketball Association (NBA), retired superstar Shaquille O'Neal has expressed interest in establishing an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. The former NBA star, who currently works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA, initially stated his desire for sole ownership of the potential team.
O'Neal's Ownership Ambitions
"I would like to have my group," O'Neal said. "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 showed willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars, including LeBron James, with whom he shared the court at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. "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 added.
LeBron James: Potential Partner?
James, still an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has shown support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. This wouldn't be his first venture into sports team ownership, as he currently owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club.
O'Neal's Past Ownership Experience
O'Neal is no stranger to team ownership. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022, providing him with valuable experience in the business side of sports. However, when asked about owning a baseball team, O'Neal was clear: "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball."
Former NBA Players in Ownership Roles
The trend of former NBA players transitioning into team ownership is not new. Michael Jordan, for instance, was the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has also expressed interest in owning a team in the future.
"Absolutely. Understanding the business and how it's run," said Curry. "It fascinates you to understand where the future's headed. To know that you can be part of an ownership group that's ushering the NBA to its super prime, from viewership to basketball-related income coming in."
No Current Majority Player Ownership in NBA
Despite this trend, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. If O'Neal's plans come to fruition, he could potentially break this mold. But one thing is clear: whether solo or in collaboration with others, Shaquille O'Neal is eager to make his mark on the NBA from the owner's box.