LeBron James Wants to Own an NBA Team: 'I've Got so Much to Give to the Game'

LeBron James expanded his sports ownership portfolio Tuesday, announcing a partnership with Fenway Sports Group that gives the Los Angeles Lakers star part ownership of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club and Roush Fenway Racing. 

That said, he's still got his sights set on the NBA.

"I've always said that my goal was to own a team, own an NBA team," James said Tuesday (7:38 mark). "I've got so much to give to the game. I know what it takes to win at this level. I know talent. I also know how to run a business as well and so that is my goal. My goal is to own an NBA franchise, and it'll be sooner than later."

James is not allowed to own an NBA or WNBA franchise while he's an active player. He and business partner Maverick Carter became the first two Black members of the Red Sox ownership group in franchise history, a fact James said is "pretty cool." 

"It gives me and people that look like me hope and inspiration that they can be in a position like that as well, that it can be done. It gives my kids at my I Promise School more and more inspiration as well," James said.

Through his business ventures with Carter, James has built a multimedia empire that will be waiting on him when he retires. His SpringHill Entertainment company has built successful relationships with ABC Studios, HBO and other media companies, allowing James to have his own television show (The Shop) and star in movies like Space Jam 2.

James and Carter also invested in Blaze Pizza in 2012 and own 19 franchises. He's also a part-owner of a health and wellness company he founded with Arnold Schwarzenegger that recently was acquired by Openfit.

James has also spoken about his desire to release a rap album, though the four-time MVP won't be rapping himself. He previously served as an executive producer on 2 Chainz's Rap or Go to the League album. 

Michael Jordan is the only Black majority owner in the NBA.