In a surprising turn of events, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal is reportedly mulling over the idea of establishing an NBA franchise in Las Vegas. Initially, O'Neal expressed interest in sole ownership of the potential team, but he has since shown a willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars, including LeBron James.
A History of Teamwork
O'Neal and James are no strangers to collaboration on the court. They were teammates at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season, showing a dynamic synergy that fans still remember fondly. Now, they may be teaming up again, this time off the court, as co-owners of a new NBA franchise.
James, who is currently an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has publicly supported the idea of bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. This isn't his first foray into sports ownership either - James owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club.
O'Neal's Ownership Experience
For O'Neal, this venture isn't entirely new territory. The former NBA star was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. Today, aside from his potential ownership interests, O'Neal continues to contribute to the sport as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA. However, don't expect him to branch out into America's pastime anytime soon. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," said O'Neal.
Former NBA Players Transitioning Into Ownership
The transition from NBA player to team owner isn't a novel concept. Michael Jordan blazed this trail when he became the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. 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. This could potentially change if O'Neal's ambitious plans come to fruition.
O'Neal's Vision for Ownership
O'Neal has a clear vision for his role as a potential team owner. "I would like to have my group," said O'Neal. "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 also expressed openness to collaboration, stating, "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." He added, "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."
As we await further developments on this exciting prospect, one thing is certain: Shaquille O'Neal's passion for basketball extends far beyond his time on the court.