In a move that could significantly reshape the landscape of professional basketball, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is reportedly contemplating the establishment of an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. This development comes amidst a growing trend of former players transitioning into team ownership roles.
O'Neal's Ambitious Plan
Shaquille O'Neal, renowned for his illustrious career and currently serving as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA, has expressed a strong desire to own an NBA team outright. Initially, he was determined to be the sole proprietor of the potential team, stating, "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."
A Potential Collaboration
However, O'Neal later showed a willingness to collaborate with other stars from the league, including LeBron James, his former teammate at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. He stated, "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."
LeBron James: A Potential Ally?
James, who is still an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has voiced his support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. Besides his successful playing career, James also holds a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club, demonstrating his interest in sports management and investment.
O'Neal's Previous Ownership Experience
It's worth noting that this isn't O'Neal's first foray into team ownership. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022, providing him with valuable experience in NBA franchise management. However, he made it clear that his ambitions don't extend to baseball, stating, "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball."
A Growing Trend
The transition of former NBA players into team ownership roles isn't new. Michael Jordan, another NBA legend, served as the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Additionally, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has expressed his interest in owning a team in the future, saying, "Absolutely. Understanding the business and how it's run. 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."
Despite these trends, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. If O'Neal's plan comes to fruition, it could mark a significant shift in the league's ownership structure and set a precedent for other players to follow.