NBA Agent Rich Paul Denies Las Vegas Ownership Rumors

Paul says he doesn't have enough money to buy an NBA team, even in a potential expansion market like Las Vegas.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Prominent NBA player agent Rich Paul has denied rumors that he and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James are planning to buy an expansion team in Las Vegas. Paul stated on his podcast that he does not have the financial resources to purchase an NBA franchise, which can cost upwards of $4-5 billion on average. While Las Vegas has been floated as a potential expansion city for the league, Paul said he is not interested in owning a team there, citing a lack of "upside" and his preference to be an owner who is willing to pay the luxury tax to field a competitive team.

Why it matters

The NBA has long been rumored to be eyeing Las Vegas as a potential expansion market given the city's growing sports landscape and economic viability. Paul's denial of the ownership rumors provides insight into the financial realities of purchasing an NBA team, which can be prohibitively expensive even for high-profile figures like player agents.

The details

Rich Paul, the influential NBA player agent who represents LeBron James and other top stars, flatly denied rumors that he and James are planning to purchase an expansion team in Las Vegas. On his podcast 'Game Over,' Paul stated that he does not have enough money to buy an NBA franchise, which can cost $4-5 billion on average. While Paul acknowledged the potential for growth in owning a team, he said there is 'no upside' to purchasing a franchise in Las Vegas specifically. Paul added that if he were an owner, he would be willing to pay the luxury tax in order to field a competitive team every year.

  • The NBA has held its annual Summer League in Las Vegas for several years.

The players

Rich Paul

A prominent NBA player agent who represents LeBron James and other top stars. Paul has a net worth of $120 million, which he says is not enough to purchase an NBA franchise.

LeBron James

The superstar player for the Los Angeles Lakers, who has been rumored to be interested in purchasing an NBA team in Las Vegas alongside his agent Rich Paul.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know where any truth or merit comes from that. But what I will say, to understand the importance of buying a team, one, I don't have enough money to buy a team, I really don't.”

— Rich Paul, NBA Agent (Game Over Podcast)

“If you're buying a team, that's a pretty big asset to have. You want an opportunity for growth, and when I look at buying a team, and most teams, people say they lose money.”

— Rich Paul, NBA Agent (Game Over Podcast)

The takeaway

While Las Vegas has been floated as a potential expansion market for the NBA, the high costs associated with purchasing a franchise make it prohibitive even for influential figures like player agent Rich Paul. Paul's denial of the ownership rumors highlights the financial realities of team ownership in the modern NBA.