LeBron James' Agent Denies Ownership Buzz Around Vegas Expansion Team

Rich Paul says he doesn't have enough money to buy an NBA team, especially one that could cost $10 billion in Las Vegas.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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LeBron James' agent Rich Paul addressed rumors that he and the Lakers star are planning to pursue ownership of a Las Vegas expansion franchise. Paul denied these claims on his podcast, stating he doesn't have the financial resources to buy an NBA team, especially one that could cost $10 billion in Las Vegas. He also said he's never had a conversation with LeBron about purchasing a team.

Why it matters

Speculation around LeBron James' future plans, including potential ownership stakes, has been a constant topic of discussion as he approaches free agency and the end of his storied NBA career. This denial from his agent Rich Paul helps clarify the situation and shuts down the rumors of James and Paul teaming up to own an expansion franchise in Las Vegas.

The details

Rich Paul addressed the rumors on his podcast, stating he doesn't know where the reports of him and LeBron pursuing a Vegas expansion team came from. He said he doesn't have enough money to buy an NBA team, let alone one that could cost $10 billion in Las Vegas. Paul also denied ever having a conversation with LeBron about purchasing a team.

  • LeBron James is currently competing in his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.
  • James is just 10 games away from becoming the all-time leader in games played, needing to surpass Robert Parish.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who is currently playing in his 23rd season and is close to becoming the all-time leader in games played.

Rich Paul

LeBron James' agent who addressed the rumors of him and James pursuing ownership of a Las Vegas expansion team on his podcast.

Eric Pincus

A reporter who previously reported on the rumors of James and Paul teaming up to own a Vegas expansion franchise.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know Eric Pincus, but I appreciate him. He put me at a level I didn't know I arrived at too. I don't know where that article came from… I don't have enough money to buy a team… He may foresee something down the road, so I hope Eric is right. I think he mentioned Vegas; that's not the team I'd wanna buy… The Vegas team would cost $10B. I wouldn't wanna pay that for a team. This notion that me and LeBron will be paired—I've never had a conversation with LeBron about anything, let alone about buying a team.”

— Rich Paul, LeBron James' Agent (NBA Courtside)

What’s next

With more than 25 games remaining in the Los Angeles Lakers' regular-season schedule, LeBron James has plenty of opportunities to surpass Robert Parish and cement his place atop the all-time games played list.

The takeaway

This denial from LeBron James' agent Rich Paul helps shut down the persistent rumors around James and Paul potentially teaming up to pursue ownership of an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas, clarifying that Paul does not have the financial resources to make such a purchase, especially for a team that could cost $10 billion.