In a recent development, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal has expressed interest in establishing an NBA franchise in the city of Las Vegas. Known for his illustrious career as a player and later as a sports analyst, O'Neal is no stranger to the intricacies of the NBA.
O'Neal's Ambitions
O'Neal initially revealed that he wanted sole ownership of the potential team, demonstrating his desire to be at the helm of the franchise. "I would like to have my group," said O'Neal. "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, O'Neal later showed a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars, specifically LeBron James, with whom he shared the court during their time at the Cleveland Cavaliers in 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 stated.
LeBron James: Potential Partner?
LeBron James, currently an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has also shown support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. This could potentially make him a valuable ally in O'Neal's venture. Beyond his on-court prowess, James has business experience in the sports world, owning a two percent stake in Liverpool Football Club.
O'Neal's Ownership History
O'Neal's interest in ownership isn't new. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022, giving him first-hand experience in team management. Currently, he works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA, keeping him close to the game and its developments.
Despite his enthusiasm for basketball and even expressing potential interest in football, O'Neal made it clear that he has no desire to own a baseball team. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," he said.
Continuing a Trend
The trend of former NBA players transitioning into team ownership is not a new phenomenon. Michael Jordan, another NBA legend, served as 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."
However, it's worth noting that no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. This could potentially change if O'Neal's ambitions come to fruition, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between players and the governance of the league.