LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to a group of investors led by longtime Disney boss Bob Iger is reshaping expectations around who could ultimately lead a push to bring an NBA expansion team to Las Vegas.
Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, who has met with multiple prospective arena groups, said the Lakers deal likely removes one major potential bidder from the Las Vegas mix, but could create room for others. “Well, obviously first off, that was a major group that is not going to come here,” Segerblom said. “But it probably opens it up for other groups.”
Robert Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Co., speaks at Digital Kingdom, Fortune Brainstorm in Pasadena, Calif.
Iger had been linked to a Las Vegas expansion bid for the last several months. Still, Segerblom said he is not concerned about losing a deep-pocketed contender. “We are going to have a healthy group of bidders for the Las Vegas team,” he said.
Among the most publicly interested and rumored potential ownership groups are the Colangelo family, former owners of the Phoenix Suns; Walmart heiress Nancy Walton Lurie; former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry; and Golden Knights owner Bill Foley. Former NBA stars Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal have also been reported to be interested.
Prospective Las Vegas Owners (KSNV)
Freddie Banks, a former UNLV player who is now an assistant coach for the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes men’s basketball team, said Las Vegas is positioned to land a pro basketball franchise. “The sky is the limit now for Vegas to get a pro basketball team,” Banks said.
Banks said he welcomes all potential owners, but believes local involvement is important for long-term success. “You have to have some type of person that knows the community in order to make it work,” he said.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)
Las Vegas resident Stephanie Schlobohm said community connection should be a priority for any new ownership group. “That is sometimes the issue is that people come in and think that they know what the locals want,” she said. Schlobohm pointed to existing local franchises as examples. “The WNBA and the Knights definitely integrate into the community and do a lot to serve and be a part of it,” she said.
Chicago Bulls guard Walt Lemon Jr. is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Joe Young during their NBA Summer League game Friday, July 5, 2019, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. (Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau)
Another Las Vegas resident, Melvin Anderson, said an NBA team would be welcomed and suggested that former players could bring valuable experience to an ownership group. He added, “They know the NBA from the top to the bottom. They know the structure and all of that. It would be good. Well, look at Shaq. He has got an awful lot of businesses here.”
Segerblom also said a prominent NBA figure could help rally support for a Las Vegas franchise. “If LeBron or Shaq or somebody is the face, that would be the best of all worlds,” he said.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: Former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo is introduced to the new Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Banks agreed that having a recognizable former player involved would be beneficial. “It would be a plus if you get someone back in the day that wants to be a part of this or be a part of the staff or anything. It is a plus,” he said.
News 3 reached out to the NBA for comment but did not receive a response.