Mayweather Backs Off NBA Expansion Team Ownership in Las Vegas

Boxing legend cites stress of NBA ownership as reason for losing interest in potential Las Vegas franchise

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:33am

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Boxing great Floyd Mayweather said he's no longer certain he wants to be part of an ownership group for a potential NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, citing the stress that comes with being an NBA team owner. Mayweather previously expressed interest in owning an NBA franchise in his hometown, but now says the responsibility may be more than he wants to take on.

Why it matters

Mayweather's potential involvement in an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas had generated significant excitement, as the city continues to see a boom in professional sports franchises. His backing off this idea raises questions about the viability and interest level of a Las Vegas NBA team from high-profile local figures.

The details

Mayweather said he's concerned about the toll of NBA ownership, noting that owners who seem happy at first often look 'older' as the years progress due to the stress. He acknowledged the reported $7-10 billion expansion fee would be a worthy investment, but ultimately decided the responsibility may be more than he wants to take on. Mayweather has been a vocal supporter of other Las Vegas pro sports teams like the WNBA's Aces, but now says he's unsure if he still wants to be part of an NBA ownership group in the city.

  • Mayweather first expressed interest in owning an NBA team in Las Vegas as recently as 2022.
  • NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced last week that the league is formally exploring expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.

The players

Floyd Mayweather

A retired professional boxer who has called Las Vegas home for three decades and previously expressed interest in owning an NBA expansion team in the city.

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson

An NBA legend who has publicly stated his ownership group, MAGI, is interested in bidding on a potential Las Vegas NBA expansion team.

Adam Silver

The commissioner of the NBA, who announced last week that the league is formally exploring expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle.

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What they’re saying

“'In the past, I talked about owning an NBA team, but it looks like it's a lot of stress in the NBA being an owner. You see an owner get involved with the NBA, and he's looking happy. Then as years progress, he's looking older. So, I don't know.'”

— Floyd Mayweather, Retired Professional Boxer

“'Magic Johnson is a true legend. He's a hell of a businessman.'”

— Floyd Mayweather, Retired Professional Boxer

What’s next

The NBA has not yet announced a timeline for expansion, but commissioner Adam Silver said the league is formally exploring Las Vegas and Seattle as potential locations. It remains to be seen if Mayweather will ultimately decide to be part of an ownership group for a Las Vegas franchise.

The takeaway

Mayweather's backing off of NBA ownership in Las Vegas is a surprising development, given his previous enthusiasm for the idea. His concerns about the stress of team ownership could dampen some of the excitement around the prospect of an NBA team coming to the city, though the league's formal exploration of expansion to Las Vegas suggests the opportunity is still very much alive.