LeBron James is arguably the most popular athlete in the world today. He also may be it’s most powerful. The three-time champion plays in his 15th consecutive All-Star Game this weekend in Charlotte and at 34 years of age, James remains at the height of his powers. This season he is averaging nearly 27 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists a night for the Los Angeles Lakers. James, considered the best player of his generation, continues to dominate on and off the court.
James’ charisma, intellect, and business savvy along with his unparalleled athletic ability all have placed him in a rarefied space only reserved for a select few. One of those few, of course, is His Airness Michael Jordan. Jordan, widely considered the greatest of all time, is the NBA’s only African-American majority owner. James is attempting to join him once his playing days are over with.
If you’ve ever listened to James, he speaks with a measure of perspective reserved for those much older than his age of 34. His ventures off the floor with business partner Maverick Carter, Rich Paul, who serves as his agent, Randy Mims and others, have served him well as he ultimately looks to one day own an NBA team.
Speaking with Joe Vardon of The Athletic, when asked about his prospects of one day owning a team, James emphatically states, “Ain’t no maybe about it, I’m going to do that sh*t.” If you’ve watched James, he’s talked about being ‘More Than An Athlete’. His charity work and building of his ‘I Promise’ school in Ohio demonstrates James’ forward thinking with respect to his legacy after his playing days are over. He wants that legacy to include becoming like Magic Johnson, his current boss, who previously owned a minority stake in the Lakers franchise he now calls home.
James, whose net worth according to Forbes is $450 million, has surrounded himself with business partners, owners and moguls across various industries to assist in his plan to one day become an NBA team owner. Owning a 2% stake in Liverpool FC, which also according to Forbes Magazine is worth nearly $40 million, James has already ventured into the world of professional sports ownership. His relationships with current Boston Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner put him in position with individuals who can help him eventually reach his goal.
According to his financial advisor Paul Wachter, he says “…LeBron will be a great owner.” James, of course, has some famous friends including Jay-Z, Beyonce, and U2 lead singer Bono, just to name a few who wouldn’t mind assisting James put together an ownership team.
Through his connections and savvy James has created an empire with multiple streams of income to where money won’t be the issue when attempting to purchase a team. His outspokenness with respect to business dealings in the NBA combined with the powered he has wielded through his approach to contract signing, James is the ideal player to next become an NBA team owner.
From day one James has been building his legacy on the court, but also off of it. To his lifetime deal with Nike, his entertainment company in Los Angeles, etc. James is no doubt well-positioned for his post-basketball life, which may include NBA team ownership. He may not win the six titles that Michael did, but the one accomplishment he can tie Jordan with will leave an even bigger legacy that the titles he chases today.