LeBron James is just 36 points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time NBA scoring record of 38,387 — and the price of a ticket to see him do it continues to rise.

The big question for those hoping to witness history: Which game will it happen?

As of Monday morning, the “get-in” price at Crypto.com Arena for Thursday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks is $763 — a 663% increase from the start of the season ($100), per ticket marketplace TickPick.

Regardless of the price, fans are still buying up the tickets to be on hand for the iconic moment — or selling their seats for a serious profit.

• The average purchase price for the game in the last seven days is $1,230 — 390% more expensive than the average purchase price for a Lakers home game this season ($251).
• Not surprisingly, the most expensive tickets are down in front: Courtside seats cost as much as $68,995 for Thursday’s game.
• At the beginning of the season, someone purchased a 300-level ticket for $100 and that same ticket is now listed for $800.

James’ accomplishment could command the most expensive regular-season ticket in Lakers history. According to TickPick, the previous record-holder is Kobe Bryant’s final game on April 13, 2016, which had an average purchase price of $1,137.

A Risky Value

James will actually get a crack at breaking the record sooner. Because he’s averaging 30 points per game, there’s the distinct possibility that James could break the record Tuesday night at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder — and, according to Reuters, tickets currently start at “only” $284.

And courtside tickets? They are going for as much as $48,403.

Fenway Sports Group is reportedly considering alternative ways to raise money and retain control of the Premier League club, according to the Daily Mail.

• RedBird Capital Partners has held talks with FSG on increasing its stake. 
• RedBird bought an 11% stake in FSG in 2011 for $640.7 million.
• An additional 20% stake sale could bank another $1.2 billion for FSG.

FSG, principally owned by John Henry, has cooled on the idea of selling Liverpool after putting the team up for sale in November. 

The company has also discussed a stake sale with the Qatar Investment Authority, among others. The sovereign wealth fund would reportedly prefer to hold a controlling stake rather than a minority one.

FSG also owns the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park, the Pittsburgh Penguins, RFK Racking, and regional sports network NESN.

Moving Parts

FSG’s position may be clarified once Manchester United is sold. 

A high price tag on the club owned by the Glazer family could help set the market for a potential Liverpool sale. Bids for Manchester United are due next week.

RedBird already has a strong presence in European soccer after buying Serie A club AC Milan for $1.2 billion in August.

Oakland is getting closer to its own WNBA team.

The city has entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with the African American Sports and Entertainment Group over development of the city’s 50% stake of the Oakland Coliseum site — which could bring sports, entertainment, and housing to the area.

In 2021, it was announced that WNBA champion and four-time All-Star Alana Beard and attorney Jade Smith-Williams were leading efforts by the AASEG to begin the process of establishing a team.

Beard is close to completing and submitting the proposal to the WNBA, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

• The WNBA previously announced plans to add two teams for the 2024 season, but the timeline has been moved to at least 2025.
• Beard is reportedly using the delay to secure infrastructure.

AASEG has two years to negotiate. 

Nashville, San Francisco, and Toronto are also thought to be possible contenders for expansion teams.

A’s Contribution

The Oakland A’s own the other half of the property and would have to approve any plans to redevelop the area. The team’s lease expires in 2024, and the A’s have been exploring a new $12 billion waterfront stadium project at Howard Terminal.

“Certainly, the A’s are welcome to be a part of this; I want to make it clear, they’re not being kicked out,” said Rebecca Kaplan, an Oakland City Council member. “We welcome them to be a part of revitalization of the site.”

The DFL has created a framework for a stake sale in its television rights — and, according to multiple reports, is looking to generate around $2.7 billion to $3.25 billion.

The governing body of Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga reportedly wants to offload a 12-15% stake in a new licensing company that will sell domestic and international broadcasting rights over a set time of 25-30 years. 

• Investors will have no influence on the clubs or league schedule.
• The DFL issued a press release stating that the top two divisions need investment to guarantee growth and development.
• The Bundesliga currently earns around $1.2 billion annually from national rights — significantly lower than the $1.9 billion the English Premier League earns.

The framework would still allow the DFL to follow the so-called 50+1 rule, which requires parent clubs to own at least 50% plus one additional share of the football company. 

The plan is set to be presented to the DFL board this week and will be voted on by members of the 36 Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs once approved.

Sixth Stake

Sixth Street is set to become a sixth potential bidder, according to the Financial Times, which also reported that Bundesliga is looking to sell a 25% stake in the new venture for around $4.8 billion, valuing the rights at roughly $19.3 billion.