LAS VEGAS — Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said he is not interested in owning an NBA franchise at this time. NBA team owners are scheduled to vote next week on whether to proceed with expansion bids for franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle.

"No, I'm not. Not at all," James said when asked if he was still interested in owning an NBA franchise. Twenty-three NBA owners must approve an expansion move before it can proceed.

James previously expressed interest in bringing a team to Las Vegas. "I want a team in Vegas. I want the team in Vegas," he said in a 2022 episode of his digital show. In 2022, James specifically eyed Las Vegas for a potential NBA franchise.

During the NBA Cup in 2023, he said, "It's a sports town. Hopefully I can bring my franchise here someday." The NBA Cup semifinals and finals have been played in Las Vegas since the 2023-24 season.

Las Vegas does not currently have an NBA franchise but has become home to several major professional sports teams. The Vegas Golden Knights began play as an NHL expansion franchise in 2017. The Las Vegas Raiders moved from Oakland in 2020, and the Las Vegas Aces relocated from San Antonio in 2018 and have since won three WNBA titles.

Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics will relocate to Las Vegas in 2028. Las Vegas hosted the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.

The NBA last expanded in 2004, when the Charlotte Bobcats were established after the original Hornets relocated to New Orleans. The original Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2004 and now play as the New Orleans Pelicans. The Charlotte Bobcats reacquired the Hornets name in 2014.

James has been business partners with Fenway Sports Group since 2011, which owns the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club.

Industry executives expect expansion franchise proposals to be in the $7 billion to $10 billion range. Bids for a potential Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise could reach $8 billion.