Floyd Mayweather Jr. has taken a step back from his previously stated goal of owning an NBA franchise, offering a candid update as league expansion approaches.
Speaking during an autograph signing in Las Vegas, as reported by Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mayweather admitted his stance has shifted.
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“In the past, I talked about owning an NBA team, but it looks like it’s a lot of stress in the NBA being an owner. You see an owner get involved with the NBA, and he’s looking happy. Then as years progress, he’s looking older. So, I don’t know. The way you look at that number, as far as in the NBA, the NFL or any sport, only thing numbers can do is go up.”
That marks a clear change from his earlier position. Mayweather had expressed a strong interest in joining an ownership group for a potential Las Vegas expansion team as recently as 2022. Given his ties to the city, his involvement once felt like a natural fit.
Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather attends the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury for game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
The timing is significant. The NBA is moving forward with expansion plans, with Las Vegas and Seattle viewed as the leading destinations. The projected expansion fee is expected to fall between $7-10 billion, reflecting the league’s rising value.
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Meanwhile, other prominent figures remain involved. Magic Johnson has publicly confirmed interest in leading an ownership group for an expansion franchise.
Mayweather stepping back does not change the league’s direction, but it removes a high-profile local name from the mix. As expansion moves closer to a final decision, the focus will remain on ownership groups ready to handle both the cost and the demands of running an NBA team.
Related: NBA Expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle Faces Potential ‘Twist’
Related: NBA: How the Divisions Could Be Realigned with Possible Expansion on the Horizon
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.