NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson met with Gov. Joe Lombardo and other civic leaders from Southern Nevada last month in a series of meetings regarding launching a formal pursuit of an Las Vegas NBA expansion team and potential arena/hotel project on the Strip.
Johnson, the five-time NBA champion turned business mogul, was joined by members of his The MAGI expansion group, which includes sports and entertainment veteran Andre Cleveland and Las Vegas businessman Mike Bellon, who are looking to secure an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas, should the league decide they are expanding the league.
“Las Vegas is my favorite home away from home, and I can’t think of a better place to expand my MJE (Magic Johnson Enterprises),” Johnson said in a statement.
NBA owners are set to decide on the next steps in the expansion process at league meetings planned for the end of March in New York. Johnson is aware that there could be logistical hurdles to clear as part of those discussions, with NBA commissioner Adam Silver running the expansion process.
“The numbers have to be right, and the league owners would require a lot from the commissioner, but if anyone could do it, it’s him,” Johnson said. “I’m not bragging; I’m just simply stating a fact that I have been doing this long before current and retired players.”
Johnson, who Forbes estimates is worth $1.6 billion, holds minority stakes in the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers, NFL Washington Commanders, WNBA Los Angeles Sparks, MLS Los Angeles FC and NWSL Washington Spirit. The NBA hall of famer also formerly held a minority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers.
If the NBA Board of Governors next month choose to designate cities they are officially considering for expansion teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle among the favorites, talks between the league and ownership groups would begin.
Aside from the potential to become owners of a Las Vegas NBA team, Johnson and his group are excited about the possibility of being part of a group that would include some of the first Black owners of a major Las Vegas Strip resort/arena project, Cleveland noted during the private summit with Lombardo and others. The meeting was held during Black History Month and the 75th anniversary of the first Black players signing NBA contracts, further motivating the group.
Cleveland said their potential Las Vegas development could have a similar impact to that of Madison Square Garden. The MAGI is in the process vetting multiple locations for a potential arena-resort development on and off the Strip. The group is also in talks with area resort operators that could partner with Johnson’s group.
Lombardo said his administration was ready to help facilitate the next phase of the expansion process.
“One thing’s for sure; there’s a lot of work to be done and I want you to know that we’re here for you,” Lombardo said.
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.
