NBA players are increasingly extending their control beyond the basketball court by investing in the very teams they once played for. This shift aligns with the growing value of franchises and record-breaking player contracts.
This naturally makes team ownership an attractive and logical next step for star NBA players. None other than LeBron James is leading this ownership movement.
Former NBA player Junior Bridgeman recently made headlines by purchasing a 10% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are valued at approximately $4 billion.
Bridgeman benefited from a 15% discount, lowering the cost of his 10% ownership to around $340 million. His move reflects a broader trend among retired and current players seeking to secure a financial foothold within the league that defined their careers.
Rumors continue to swirl about James‘ interest in ownership. He has been vocal about his aspirations to own a team. His status as the league’s first active billionaire player puts him in a prime position to make that dream a reality.
James’ influence on and off the court signals a shift in how athletes view long-term financial security. He is setting an example by leveraging his wealth and fame into potential ownership.
He already holds stakes in multiple sports franchises through the Fenway Group. However, he is not the first player to set his sights on ownership in the NBA. Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets in 2023.
The NBA is a rising economic powerhouse, and players have noticed this trend, bolstered by new television deals. Players understand that ownership offers a chance to capitalize on the league’s growth and secure financial returns long after their playing days.