With the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas as a potential backdrop, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is contemplating the establishment of a new franchise in the city. Initially, O'Neal had his sights set on sole ownership of the prospective team, but he has since shown a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars, including LeBron James.
O'Neal's Ambitions and Potential Collaborations
"I would like to have my group," O'Neal stated. "I know Vegas hasn't been awarded an NBA team yet, but if they ever get to a point where they are awarded a team, I would like to be a part of that. I don't want to partner up with nobody. I want it all for myself."
Despite his initial desire for exclusive ownership, O'Neal later expressed openness to collaborations. "If there's ever an NBA team that's going to come here, I would like to be involved, with LeBron, without LeBron, I just want to be involved," said O'Neal.
O'Neal and James share a professional history, having played together for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. Now an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, James also supports the idea of bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. This wouldn't be his first venture into sports ownership, as he currently holds a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club.
O'Neal's Previous Ownership Experience
O'Neal himself is no stranger to team ownership. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. However, he made it clear that he isn't interested in owning a baseball team. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," he said.
O'Neal, who currently works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA, expressed his desire to be part of the decision-making process. "I want to be involved. There are two types of owners. There's the owner that just has the bragging rights, and I'm the partial owner, and there's guys that like to make decisions. I, at some point, would like to be in on the decision-making process," he said.
Former Players Transitioning into Ownership
The transition from player to team owner isn't new in the NBA. Michael Jordan, for instance, was the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. However, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is another player who has shown interest in owning a team in the future. "Absolutely. Understanding the business and how it's run," said Curry. "It fascinates you to understand where the future's headed. To know that you can be part of an ownership group that's ushering the NBA to its super prime, from viewership to basketball-related income coming in."
As we wait for further developments, O'Neal's interest in establishing a Las Vegas franchise adds another exciting chapter to the story of players transitioning into ownership roles within the NBA.