Floyd Mayweather, who for years expressed interest in owning an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, now says he’s having second thoughts. The boxing legend made the comments Saturday during an autograph signing at the MCM retail store inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
“In the past, I talked about owning an NBA team, but it looks like it’s a lot of stress in the NBA being an owner,” Mayweather said. “You see an owner get involved with the NBA, and he’s looking happy. Then as years progress, he’s looking older. So, I don’t know.”
When asked about the reported expansion fee of $7 billion to $10 billion for a potential Las Vegas team, Mayweather said the buy-in would be a worthy investment. “The way you look at that number, as far as in the NBA, the NFL or any sport, only thing numbers can do is go up,” he said.
In 2017, Mayweather posted a photo with NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, saying he wanted to own an NBA team. Now Johnson and his MAGI group have publicly stated interest in bidding on an expansion team. NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced last week that the league is formally exploring Las Vegas and Seattle for expansion.
“Magic Johnson is a true legend. He’s a hell of a businessman,” Mayweather said.
Las Vegas pro sports boom
Mayweather, a Southern Nevada resident for three decades, has witnessed the city’s sports landscape transform. The Vegas Golden Knights began their inaugural NHL season in October 2017, the same year Mayweather fought Conor McGregor at T-Mobile Arena. The WNBA’s Aces arrived in 2018, the NFL’s Raiders in 2020, and the MLB’s Athletics are scheduled for 2028. An NBA team could debut as early as the 2028-29 season.
“I’m happy for the whole city of Las Vegas,” Mayweather said. “I’m going to stand behind the city of Las Vegas and push Las Vegas to continue to be great.”
Mayweather has been seen courtside at Aces games, saying, “The Aces are making so much noise in the WNBA. We’ve been supporting the Aces since the beginning, and we will continue to support all professional teams in Las Vegas.”
