LeBron James, the NBA superstar who became the league’s first active billionaire player in June 2022, is reportedly one of the bidders for the $7 billion Las Vegas expansion club. His net worth recently surpassed $1.5 billion.
James, who has secured his status among the richest Black Americans, is eyeing the Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise, expected to be the most competitive and costly sports deal in US history. The bidding war for the team, which is expected to be awarded to Las Vegas, features a number of high-profile competitors, including the corporation that owns the Red Bull brand.
According to individuals familiar with the transaction, the overall cost, including the construction of a new arena, could exceed $7 billion. This estimate is based on two sports advisers who have previously mediated the sale of NBA teams.
LeBron James’ net worth increased by $500 million this year, hitting an astonishing $1.5 billion. This achievement solidifies his position as one of the world’s wealthiest Black billionaires and the NBA’s sole active billionaire.
This increase comes after a huge deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. James and the Lakers signed a two-year, $104 million contract that includes a no-trade clause. The contract, which is the highest the Lakers could give, will keep James with the franchise until he turns 41 if he completes the term.
James’ new contract is expected to increase his on-court earnings to $530 million by 2025, making him the first NBA player to earn more than $500 million.
The new contract also allows James to realize a long-held dream: playing alongside his son, Bronny James Jr. James, 19, signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers after being picked. LeBron James, who is entering his 22nd NBA season, has maintained his high level of performance, scoring 25.7 points per game last year.
Despite approaching the end of his NBA career, James remains a significant figure in both sports and business. In 2024, he ranked first among Black athletes, earning $128.2 million in the previous year. According to Forbes, he earned $48.2 million from on-court activities and $80 million from off-court operations like sponsorships and investments.
Aside from his NBA career, James inked a contract with DraftKings in January and invested in the PGA Tour. In 2022, he sold a minority investment in SpringHill for $725 million, increasing his net worth to $850 million at the time.