Shaquille O'Neal Eyes NBA Franchise in Las Vegas
In an intriguing development, former National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Shaquille O'Neal has expressed interest in establishing an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. Initially, O'Neal wanted to have sole ownership of the potential team. However, he later showed a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars, including LeBron James.
A Potential Collaboration with LeBron James
O'Neal and James share a history as teammates at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. Now, they might join forces again, this time off the court. James, an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has also voiced support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. His involvement in sports extends beyond the basketball court; he owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club.
O'Neal's Previous Ownership Experience
O'Neal is no stranger to the business side of the NBA. He served as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. Currently, he works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA. During a recent interview, O'Neal 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 clarified his stance, showing openness to partnerships: "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," said O'Neal. Despite his interest in sports ownership, O'Neal has ruled out owning a baseball team, stating, "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball."
Former NBA Players Transitioning into Ownership
The trend of former NBA players transitioning into team ownership is not new. Michael Jordan serves as the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Furthermore, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has expressed interest in owning a team in the future.
O'Neal shared his perspective on this trend: "I want to be involved. 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."
Curry echoed this sentiment, 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."
Current State of Player Ownership in the NBA
Despite these aspirations, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. This fact highlights the challenges that lie ahead for O'Neal, James, Curry, and other NBA stars who might consider following in Jordan's footsteps. However, their passion for the sport and understanding of its intricacies could provide them with unique insights as potential team owners.