rofessional sports had long overlooked Las Vegas, but that perspective has shifted dramatically in recent years. The NHL’s Golden Knights and the NFL’s Raiders have found success in the city, and now the NBA appears ready to make its move. Las Vegas, along with Seattle, is poised to be among the next cities to welcome new expansion teams.

LeBron James is expected to be a significant player in this evolving landscape. Reports suggest that James could lead a bid for an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, with the price tag potentially reaching up to $7 billion. This figure could set a record, surpassing the $6.05 billion paid for the Washington Commanders, an established NFL franchise.

The NBA’s expansion is contingent on finalizing its new media deal, projected to be worth $75 billion. Once this deal is in place, the league will focus on setting expansion fees. If the $7 billion figure is accurate, it would represent a landmark in sports franchise valuations.

James is not the only high-profile figure interested in the Vegas franchise. RedBird Capital Partners and Fenway Sports Group, who have previously invested in James’ The SpringHill Company, are backing his bid. James has highlighted Las Vegas' appeal during the league’s in-season tournament held in the city.

However, James faces competition. Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal and other prominent business leaders, including potential investors from Red Bull’s parent company, have also expressed interest in acquiring a Vegas NBA team.

With the landscape rapidly evolving and multiple parties vying for a stake in this high-stakes expansion, the battle for a Las Vegas NBA franchise is set to be one of the most competitive and costly in sports history.