Marc Lasry Stays in Race for Las Vegas NBA Team
The investor confirmed his group is a top contender for the city's potential expansion franchise.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Marc Lasry confirmed his investment group remains a finalist in the bidding process for a new NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. He has submitted an offer ranging from $9 billion to $10 billion to secure the franchise.
Why it matters
Lasry anticipates that a Las Vegas team could become one of the league's most profitable assets. Rising franchise valuations, driven by the NBA's growing international appeal, have made expansion an attractive investment opportunity.
The bid for a Las Vegas franchise stands at $9 billion to $10 billion, trailing the $12.5 billion valuation seen in the 2026 sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. Selection of the winning expansion group is expected within two to four weeks.
The players
Marc Lasry
He is a prominent investor and former owner of a 25 percent stake in the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nancy Walton Laurie
She leads a competing expansion group alongside Bill Laurie, Egon Durban, Bill Foley, and Jerry Colangelo.
The details
The expansion process requires interested groups to review detailed documentation with the NBA and undergo a rigorous financial evaluation. Lasry previously held a 25 percent stake in the Milwaukee Bucks before selling his interest in 2023.
Timeline
Marc Lasry sold his stake in the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023.
The Los Angeles Lakers were sold for $12.5 billion in 2026.
Marc Lasry confirmed his group is still bidding on October 28, 2026.
The NBA is expected to select the winning expansion group in November 2026.
Season Trajectory
The addition of a Las Vegas expansion team marks a major structural shift in the NBA's geographic footprint and revenue model. The bidding process follows the valuation precedent set by the 2026 sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, establishing a high bar for team marketability.
The successful acquisition of an expansion franchise will determine the long-term roster development and market viability for a new Las Vegas team. Fans and investors are closely tracking the valuation metrics to gauge how the incoming franchise will compete within the current league structure.
The takeaway
The high valuation of current bids reflects the intense corporate competition to join the league's ownership ranks. Investors aiming to enter the NBA should anticipate massive capital requirements driven by the current market peak.
What happens next
The NBA is scheduled to announce the winning expansion bid group in November 2026.
Further reading
For more background on the professional sports climate, explore our Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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