Who are the groups interested in owning a Las Vegas NBA expansion team?

Who are the groups interested in owning a Las Vegas NBA expansion team? Four known groups are preparing bids for a potential Las Vegas NBA franchise as the league considers adding teams by the end of the year. **Las Vegas Jacks** The Las Vegas Jacks, led by former Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks owner Jerry Colangelo, announced on Wednesday their intention to pursue a bid for an expansion team. In addition to his ownership background, Colangelo served as manager of USA Basketball from 2005 to 2021 and previously held the presidency of the NBA Board of Governors. The group also includes former NBA player and coach Vinny Del Negro, media and banking executives, and former NBA second‑overall pick and ESPN broadcaster Jay Williams. The Jacks plan to construct a new arena but would play at T‑Mobile Arena on an interim basis, pending the NBA’s goal for expansion clubs to debut in the 2028‑29 season should the Board of Governors approve new teams this year. **The MAGI** Earvin “Magic” Johnson and his ownership consortium, the MAGI, were the first to signal interest in a Las Vegas NBA franchise, informing the Review‑Journal of their plans in early March. Johnson, a former Lakers star, holds ownership stakes in several franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Commanders. The MAGI also comprises sports‑and‑entertainment veteran Andre Cleveland and Las Vegas businessman Mike Bellon. In February, Johnson’s group met with local stakeholders and leaders, including Governor Joe Lombardo, to discuss its Las Vegas NBA aspirations. **Bill Foley** Golden Knights owner Bill Foley said he aims to add a second major‑league team to his Las Vegas portfolio. In June, Foley announced that the group he is leading is readying a bid for a Las Vegas NBA expansion squad. He did not disclose specific partners but asserted that the consortium possesses the financial capacity to fund and operate an NBA franchise. Should Foley’s group secure an expansion team, he intends to invest more than $400 million to upgrade T‑Mobile Arena and develop an NBA‑caliber facility in Summerlin. Morgan Stanley & Co. has been engaged as the group’s financial adviser for the bid process. **Bob Iger group** Former Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger and billionaire venture‑capitalist Joshua Kushner are reportedly evaluating a Las Vegas expansion bid. Iger’s prior work with the NBA on broadcast rights agreements involving ESPN and ABC—both Disney‑owned entities—provides him with league connections. A recent study indicated that the consortium has retained investment bankers to explore a possible offer, which would be channeled through Thrive Eternal, a company founded by Kushner. Read the full story at Las Vegas Review-Journal →