Why LeBron Changed His Mind On Becoming An NBA Owner

LeBron James' NBA ownership goals have changed in a big way.

The four-time NBA champion has made it clear that he would love to own a professional franchise one day. James, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, has done more for the game than just about any other player in league history. The Los Angeles Lakers star is still going strong in his age 41 season.

It would be natural for LeBron's next step to be in NBA ownership. LeBron has previously said that he would love to own an NBA franchise, perhaps bringing an expansion team to Las Vegas.

"It's the best fanbase in the world, and I would love to bring a team here at some point," James said in 2022 after playing a preseason game in Las Vegas.

James then publicly spoke to NBA commissioner Adam Silver: "He probably sees every single interview and transcript that comes through from NBA players, so I want the team here, Adam. Thank you."

But something has changed.

The NBA is reportedly considering expansion franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

But LeBron is no longer interested in owning an NBA franchise.

“Not at all.”

Why is LeBron no longer interested in owning an NBA franchise?

The price for an NBA franchise has soared in recent years. It would likely cost up to $10 billion to bring an NBA franchise to Las Vegas.

LeBron is worth more than $1.4 billion, but he'd need a lot more than that to purchase an NBA franchise and be the primary owner.

James has partnered with Fenway Sports Group, but the group is reportedly no longer interested in owning a basketball franchise.

“With Fenway no longer pursuing NBA ownership, it is less likely that LeBron will pursue a team," a source told The Athletic.

There's another issue, too: LeBron would have to retire first.

"As an aside, James would first need to retire to launch a bid for team ownership. He is undecided if he will play in 2026-27, and with the NBA reportedly eyeing the fall of 2028 as a potential launch for the new teams (if the NBA ultimately approves expansion), the timeline would either be very tight or impossible for James to find new investment partners and submit a bid," The Athletic added.

For now, it sounds like LeBron has put his goal of owning an NBA franchise to the side - perhaps for good.