LeBron James says no plans to join Vegas expansion team bid

NBA star previously expressed interest in owning a team in Las Vegas

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:35am

LeBron James has stated that he no longer intends to pursue being part of an ownership group for a potential NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas. James had previously expressed interest in owning a team in Vegas, but he has now confirmed that he will not be involved in the bidding process for the new franchises.

Why it matters

LeBron James is one of the most influential and high-profile players in the NBA, so his decision not to be involved in the Vegas expansion bid is noteworthy. It suggests that the financial and logistical challenges of owning an NBA team may be more daunting than James initially anticipated.

The details

James made the comments after the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. He had previously discussed his interest in a Vegas team on his digital show "The Shop" in 2022, saying "I want a team in Vegas. I want the team in Vegas." However, with the NBA set to vote on the expansion process next week, James has now said he has "no intention" of being part of the bidding.

  • The NBA is scheduled to vote on the expansion process at next week's board of governors meeting.
  • In 2022, James expressed interest in owning a Vegas team on his digital show "The Shop".

The players

LeBron James

A 19-year NBA veteran and one of the league's all-time great players, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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What they’re saying

“No, I'm not. Not at all.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The NBA is expected to approve the bidding process for new franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle at next week's board of governors meeting.

The takeaway

LeBron James' decision not to pursue ownership of a Las Vegas NBA team suggests the financial and logistical challenges of owning a professional sports franchise may be more daunting than he initially anticipated, even for a superstar player of his caliber.