In an intriguing development, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has shown interest in establishing a new NBA franchise. The city of choice? Las Vegas. Initially, O'Neal intended to be the sole owner of this prospective team, but he later expressed willingness to collaborate with other NBA stars such as LeBron James.
O'Neal's Ownership Ambitions
"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."
Despite his initial desire for sole ownership, O'Neal seemed open to partnerships, particularly with 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," said O'Neal.
A History of Collaboration
The collaboration isn't as far-fetched as it might seem at first glance. O'Neal and James were teammates at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. Moreover, James, who is currently an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has voiced support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas.
James also has some experience in sports team ownership, albeit in a different sport. He owns a two percent stake in the Liverpool Football Club. Meanwhile, O'Neal was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022, which gives him some insight into the operations of an NBA franchise.
No Interest in Baseball
While O'Neal appears enthusiastic about owning a basketball or even a football team, he has explicitly ruled out baseball. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," said O'Neal.
Transitioning from Player to Owner
The trend of former NBA players transitioning into team ownership is not new. Michael Jordan was the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Additionally, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has expressed 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."
However, it's worth noting that no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. Will O'Neal be the one to break this pattern? Only time will tell.
O'Neal currently works as a broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA, but his ambitions clearly extend beyond the broadcasting booth. He envisions himself as more than just a figurehead owner. "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," said O'Neal.
As we watch these developments unfold, one thing is certain: The landscape of NBA team ownership could be on the verge of significant change.