• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 29, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Shaq, Like LeBron, Wants To Own An NBA Team In Las Vegas

  • Hall of Famer is the latest to express desire for Las Vegas team
  • NBA expansion process remains on hold
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James has talked so much over the last year about his desire to own an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas that it almost feels like a foregone conclusion.

Not so fast, says fellow basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. 

O’Neal, who also starred for the Los Angeles Lakers and is now a fixture on TNT’s “Inside The NBA,” told The Messenger he’s also keenly eyeing the fast-growing Nevada sports market — and has no intention of partnering with James.

“I would like to have my own 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.”

There is not yet a formal process for NBA expansion, as commissioner Adam Silver intends to first complete domestic media rights deals to succeed the current ones expiring in 2025. But Las Vegas, along with Seattle, is seen as a very strong candidate. 

Major facility developer Oak View Group is including an NBA arena as a central element of a planned $10 billion entertainment district in Las Vegas that would also include a hotel and gaming facilities.

Like James, O’Neal has been an active investor and businessman, perhaps most notably through his involvement in several national restaurant chains. O’Neal previously held an equity stake in the Sacramento Kings, which he sold early last year, telling fans, “Till we meet again.”

James’ wide-ranging and growing investment portfolio is highlighted by an equity stake in Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Liverpool FC parent Fenway Sports Group.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.

Mark Cuban on Why NBA Expansion Isn’t Imminent

Cuban said the next CBA could help solve some expansion issues.
Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley Says She Would Have Left South Carolina for Knicks

Staley says she would have made the NBA leap “for women.”
Mat Ishbia

Suns, Mat Ishbia Sued by Minority Owners Looking to Open Books

The limited partners have been seeking a buyout from Ishbia.
Aug 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) flies out to left field in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.

The Biggest Deferred Sports Contracts in Each Major Sports League

Shohei Ohtani will make $680 million after his contract ends.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Dallas Wings

WNBA Teams Desperate to Expand Rosters Amid ‘Extreme Hardship’ 

The Wings are scrambling to field eight players Friday night.
August 28, 2025

Selig Backs MLB Salary Cap, but Warns Against Labor Fight

The league’s former commissioner cites salary-cap success in other leagues.
August 29, 2025

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Aug 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half at Target Center.
August 27, 2025

Caitlin Clark Still Out With 2 Weeks Left in WNBA Season

The WNBA regular season ends Sept. 11.
August 27, 2025

Keegan Bradley Declines Rare Ryder Cup Playing Captain Role

Bradley did not choose himself with one of his six captain’s picks.
August 26, 2025

NFL Roster Cut Deadline Passes After Backup QB Carousel

Several high-profile backups were traded or signed with new teams.
August 26, 2025

MLB Unveils 2026 Schedule As Big Changes Loom Soon After

Next year’s slate could be among the last in the current format.