Mayweather No Longer Pursuing NBA Ownership

Boxing legend cites stress and cost as reasons for backing away from potential team purchase.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, rich red, and metallic gold colors, conveying the stress and responsibility of professional sports team ownership.Mayweather's decision to step away from NBA ownership highlights the complex demands of professional sports team leadership.Seattle Today

Former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has decided to no longer pursue owning an NBA team, despite previously expressing strong interest. Mayweather cited the stress and cost associated with NBA ownership as the primary reasons for backing away from the idea.

Why it matters

Mayweather's potential NBA ownership would have been a high-profile move, as he is one of the wealthiest and most famous athletes in the world. His decision not to pursue a team highlights the challenges and demands of being an NBA owner, even for someone with Mayweather's resources and profile.

The details

Mayweather had previously been vocal about his desire to own an NBA franchise, especially one located in his adoptive home of Las Vegas. However, the boxer now says the $7 billion to $10 billion expansion fee required by the league is a worthy investment, but the stress and responsibility that comes with NBA ownership is more than he wants to take on.

  • Mayweather made his initial comments about wanting to own an NBA team in the past.
  • The NBA Board of Governors recently voted unanimously to explore adding franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas.

The players

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A former five-division world champion boxer who is considered one of the greatest and wealthiest athletes of all time, having earned over $1.2 billion throughout his career.

Manny Pacquiao

A boxing legend and longtime rival of Mayweather, with whom he is expected to have a rematch exhibition fight on September 19.

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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 Jr.

“The way you look at that number, as far as in the NBA, the NFL or any sport, only thing numbers can do is go up.”

— Floyd Mayweather Jr.

What’s next

Mayweather is now focused on his upcoming exhibition match against Mike Tyson on April 25, as well as a potential rematch with Manny Pacquiao on September 19.

The takeaway

Mayweather's decision to back away from NBA ownership highlights the significant challenges and responsibilities that come with being a professional sports team owner, even for someone as wealthy and successful as the boxing legend. This move suggests the stress and demands of NBA ownership may be more than Mayweather is willing to take on.