A pathway has opened up and could see LeBron James gain an ownership stake in an NBA team that’s currently on a very bullish trend.
The Boston Celtics are the reigning NBA champions, but the owners are looking to sell the team as it appears they’re looking to cash out at the best possible time. It’s understood that they are after a record fee of $6 billion.
The New York Post’s Josh Kosman reports that Fenway Sports Group is considering lodging a bid for the Eastern Conference side. If they succeed, they will become the owners of both the Red Sox and Celtics.
FSG, which also owns the Pittsburgh Penguins and Liverpool FC in England, has a partnership with James. So, he would have an easy route should he want to buy into the 18-time NBA champions.
“Boston Red Sox Owner Fenway Sports Group and RedBird Capital that partner closely with LeBron James are seriously considering bidding for the Celtics, sources close to the situation said,” Kosman writes.
Still, LeBron would have to take his time, as the NBA does not allow active players to own franchises.
LeBron James could end up a Celtics owner as Fenway Sports considers purchase: sources https://t.co/5DuKnqMFHy pic.twitter.com/wgqQmHza3b
— New York Post (@nypost) August 8, 2024
LeBron James Wants To Bring An Expansion Team To Las Vegas
The Lakers star has made no secret of his intention to become a team owner in the future and said as much when he joined FSG in 2021.
“I’ve always said that. My goal is to own a team, own an NBA team,” he declared. “I got so much to give to the game. I know what it takes to win at this level. I know talent. I also know how to run a business, as well. And so, that is my goal. My goal is to own an NBA franchise, and it will be sooner than later.”
While the Celtics are an exciting prospect, James is keen on bringing an expansion team to Las Vegas, something he has said is his “ultimate goal.”
Fenway is looking to own a stadium in Vegas, but according to Kosman, they are likely to pivot now that the Celtics are on the market.
