LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — One of the heirs to Walmart is reportedly looking into a possible bid for an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.
Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie are considering whether to enter the crowded field, Sportico reported Monday, citing people familiar with the league’s process.
The Lauries live in Henderson and have a net worth of $17.8 billion, according to Forbes.
Walton Laurie is the younger daughter of Bud Walton, the brother and business partner of Walmart founder Sam Walton.
Her sister is Ann Walton Kroenke, wife of Stan Kroenke. The Kroenke family’s holdings include the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, and the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.
The Lauries are the latest party to reportedly consider an NBA expansion bid.
Two groups — Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and a consortium led by former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo — have already announced their interest.
Bloomberg reported last month that former Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger and investment fund CEO Joshua Kushner were also mulling a bid, though they have not made any announcements.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters during Summer League in Las Vegas last week that multiple groups were in the process of submitting their plans.
“Those plans not only include who the potential owners would be but their vision for what Las Vegas basketball could look like, where they would play, how they would present the game,” Silver said. “It’s music to my ears.”
The commissioner said he still hopes the NBA decides on expansion for both Las Vegas and Seattle by the end of the year. A new team or teams could begin play as early as the 2028-29 season.