How Michael Jordan’s $30 Million Purse for Hornets Ensured LeBron James’ Ownership Status After Retirement

Nithin Joseph | 24/05/2023
How Michael Jordan's $30 Million Purse for Hornets Ensured LeBron James' Ownership Status After Retirement

In 2010, Michael Jordan bought the Charlotte Hornets. Then called the Charlotte Bobcats, Jordan’s purchase was huge. Especially given he was the first former player to purchase a franchise. A purchase that means good news for one LeBron James. As everyone knows, The King is heavily interested in owning an NBA franchise. With Las Vegas being high on his list of destinations. Well, all he has to do is look no further than His Airness.

According to the Charlotte Observer, as mentioned in Brian Windhorst’s book LeBron James Inc., MJ bought the North Carolina-based outfit for just $30 million with the help of the NBA.

Michael Jordan buying the Hornets with the help of the NBA might prove to be a boon for LeBron James

Michael Jordan is perhaps the most high-profile owner in the NBA right now. And, with a net worth of over $1 billion, that isn’t so surprising. But, what makes it so interesting is how he purchased the Charlotte Hornets in the first place.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst made claims that Jordan received leeway from the NBA, whose board of governors bent their usual purchasing standards to allow MJ to become an owner.

In fact, Windy further suggests that a deal like that might be what is in store for LeBron James. The King, who has been vocal about his interest in owning a franchise, would have no problem leading an investment group or getting the backing of the league.

“A deal like that probably is impossible today, as franchise values have spiked and interest in teams has grown dramatically. Nonetheless, if a team was for sale and a retired LeBron indicated he was interested in leading an investment group, he would probably have no issue raising the cash or getting the NBA behind his bid.”


It certainly would be interesting to see how things would work out if LeBron were to become an owner. One thing is for sure, he has his eyes set on a particularly big-market city.

King James has his sites set on a franchise in Las Vegas

As Michael Jordan looks to sell his stake in the Charlotte Hornets, one man who is looking to become an owner as mentioned earlier is LeBron James. And, The King already knows exactly where he would like to situate his franchise: Sin City, AKA Las Vegas.

A franchise owned by King James will be a team to look out for. And, with a big money market like Vegas, the entire league will be put on notice.

Post Edited By: Utathya Ghosh
LeBron James Michael Jordan

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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