LeBron James Rules Out Role in Potential Las Vegas NBA Expansion Bid
lebron-james-says-he-wont-join-las-vegas-expansion-effort
Houston, Mar. 19, 2026 – LeBron James said Wednesday night he has no plans to join an ownership group pursuing a prospective NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas.
“No, I’m not. Not at all,” the Los Angeles Lakers star told reporters after scoring 30 points in a 124–116 victory over the Houston Rockets.
James, 41, had previously expressed interest in owning a Las Vegas team, notably stating on a 2022 episode of his digital show The Shop, “I want a team in Vegas. I want the team in Vegas.”
His comments come a week before the NBA’s board of governors is scheduled to vote on whether to advance the bidding process for new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. Industry executives anticipate offers ranging from $7 billion to $10 billion for each market, according to a Monday report by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The four-time NBA champion did not elaborate on why he stepped back from the idea, saying only that he intends to stay out of the expansion discussions.
Source: ESPN
