As the world of professional basketball continues to evolve, it seems that former players are increasingly looking to transition into team ownership. One such player is none other than NBA legend, Shaquille O'Neal, who has expressed interest in establishing an NBA franchise in Las Vegas.
O'Neal's Ownership Ambitions
Initially, O'Neal had aspirations for sole ownership of a potential team. "I would like to have my group," O'Neal said. "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."
However, he later showed a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars, specifically LeBron James. "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," O'Neal stated. It's worth noting that O'Neal and James were teammates at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season.
LeBron James: Potential Partner?
James, currently an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has shown support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. His business acumen extends beyond the court, as he owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club. However, it remains to be seen whether he will join forces with O'Neal in this venture.
O'Neal's Past Ownership Experiences
O'Neal is no stranger to team ownership. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. Despite his experience, O'Neal has set his sights on a more active role. "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," O'Neal explained.
While his focus is on basketball, O'Neal hasn't completely ruled out other sports - except for one. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," said O'Neal. Currently, he works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA.
The Trend of Players Turning Owners
The transition from player to team owner isn't new in the NBA. Michael Jordan was the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, setting a precedent for former players. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has also expressed interest in owning a team in the future. "Understanding the business and how it's run," said Curry. "It fascinates you to understand where the future's headed."
Despite these transitions, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. If O'Neal's vision comes to fruition, it could mark a significant milestone in the evolution of player involvement in team ownership.