It's no secret that the world of professional basketball is replete with players who have transitioned into the realm of team ownership post-retirement. The latest name to join this growing trend is none other than the legendary Shaquille O'Neal, a former NBA superstar and current broadcaster on TNT's Inside the NBA.
O'Neal Eyes Las Vegas for Potential NBA Franchise
O'Neal has recently expressed his interest in establishing an NBA franchise in the city of Las Vegas. Although initially desiring sole ownership of the potential team, he later showed a willingness to collaborate with other stars from the league, including LeBron James, his former teammate at the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season.
In a recent statement, O'Neal said, "I would like to have my group. 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."
However, he later added, "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."
LeBron James: A Potential Partner?
LeBron James, an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has also shown support for bringing an NBA team to Las Vegas. His experience as a minority stakeholder in the Liverpool Football Club could prove beneficial in such a venture. However, it remains to be seen whether James would consider partnering with O'Neal or pursue his own path in team ownership.
O'Neal's Ownership History and Future Plans
O'Neal is no stranger to team ownership. He was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 to 2022. His experience and passion for the game are evident in his desire to be more than just a figurehead owner. O'Neal stated, "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."
Interestingly, while O'Neal is enthusiastic about owning a basketball or possibly a football team, he has made it clear that baseball is not on his radar. "Not baseball. Football, maybe, basketball definitely, but not baseball," said O'Neal.
The Trend of Players Transitioning into Ownership
O'Neal's plans align with a growing trend among former NBA players transitioning into team ownership. Michael Jordan, for instance, served as the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has also expressed interest in owning a team in the future.
Curry shared his fascination with understanding the business side of the sport, saying, "Absolutely. Understanding the business and how it's run. 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."
Despite this trend, no player currently holds majority ownership or governorship of an NBA franchise. This could change in the near future as more players like O'Neal and Curry express their interest in taking up the mantle of team ownership.