After the crisis linked to COVID, the NBA is starting to regain its colors and have good prospects for the future financially. It is said by example that two new franchises could see the light of day soon, and LeBron James would follow all this very closely.
The major American sports leagues have always had a vocation to expand when the finances were good and the prospects for the future rather sunny. Indeed, a city that has the necessary infrastructure and the support of the local community can totally afford a team and exploit its market, provided that it convinces the leaders of the league in question and the other owners.
For example in the 90′s, when Michael Jordan was democratizing basketball around the world with its titles, dunks and shoes, the NBA saw fit to open up to the Canadian market with two new franchises, namely the Raptors and the Grizzlies, at the time based in Vancouver . A few years later, in 2004, the city of Charlotte recovered a franchise with the birth of the Bobcats.
LeBron James soon to own a franchise in Las Vegas?
But since that date, the league has not moved with 30 teams, which is starting to take a long time for the leaders. According to information from Bill Simmons, journalist emeritus, Adam Silver is seriously considering creating two new franchises, in strategic and demanding cities, and LeBron James would already be on the prowl to become an owner, like Jordan.
I’ve heard things, and I think the league will expand with franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. And I think the favorite to reclaim the franchise from Vegas will be Fenway Sports Group. They own Liverpool, the Penguins in the NHL, and they’ve been watching several NBA franchises for years, including the Timberwolves. I also think LeBron James is going to be involved. He wants to own a franchise.
Indeed, LeBron James has never hidden his desire to become the owner of an NBA franchise, a role that obviously interests him more than coach or General Manager. And because he is a partner of Fenway Sports, a powerful investment fund that would be interested in the Las Vegas franchise, he could well be placed at the head of the new team!
He is already a minority shareholder in Liverpool and the Red Sox, two legendary institutions that he follows and respects diligently, but to be the real strongman of an organization would still be a step above for the King. And with his experience at the Lakers, the most prestigious franchise in the league, he undoubtedly has to learn a lot of important things about managing a brand.
LeBron James has ambition, and he’ll have his NBA franchise one day, that’s for sure. But this dream could come true much sooner than expected if the Fenway Sports Group decides to put him at the head of the new Las Vegas team!
