FSG makes major decision as Mohamed Salah announces exit

NBA Governors approved a bid to entertain expansion franchises, but Fenway Sports Group is not expected to pursue a bid despite heavy interest and association with LeBron James

Fenway Sports Group will continue to focus on Liverpool despite NBA expansion franchise discussions (Image: Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)

Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, are no longer pursuing an NBA franchise despite long-term speculation that the conglomerate could add another major asset to its sports portfolio.

FSG controls several major sports teams and organizations, though Liverpool is its most valuable asset. The multi-ownership can sometimes lead to tensions among fans, with some alleging that FSG is more focused on Liverpool than on other assets such as the Boston Red Sox of MLB and the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL.

Liverpool has recently announced that star player Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season, recouping $27.8 million in wages as his two-year deal will end prematurely. However, despite the allure of owning an NBA franchise, FSG has distanced itself from the conversation.

FSG owns Liverpool, the Red Sox, TGL club Boston Common, and has stakes in the Penguins and NASCAR organization RFK Racing. However, principal owner John Henry has been eyeing an NBA team for several decades.

Henry was involved in negotiations to purchase the Orlando Magic in 1990, and later pursued the Miami Heat and the New Jersey Nets, which later relocated to Brooklyn. However, Henry was unsuccessful at every stage.

When NBA superstar LeBron James became a stakeholder in FSG, all signs pointed toward another push for a basketball team, but nothing has transpired. When the Boston Celtics were put on the market, FSG was heavily linked to purchasing the team.

FSG was linked with the Boston Celtics but opted against bidding for the NBA giants(Image: 2018 NBAE)

With its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, the Celtics appeared to be the ideal opportunity for FSG, but no bid was made. With the NBA set to expand and both Seattle and Las Vegas tipped to welcome new franchises, it was speculated that FSG was waiting to own its own organization.

On Wednesday, the NBA's Board of Governors approved a vote to explore bids and applicants for expansion teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, according to ESPN. However, bids are expected to be in the $7-10 billion range.

The outlet states that high-ranking officials believe expansion is "when, not if" in the NBA, and that both cities will have basketball teams within the next decade. Despite the long-term connection, FSG is not pursuing a bid, according to The Athletic, via SBJ.

FSG shareholder LeBron James is no longer pursuing an NBA bid(Image: Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

A source said that FSG was "out on NBA ownership in Las Vegas because of the expected cost." While FSG and Henry have been rumored to be eyeing an NBA team for some time, the rapid rise in costs may have priced them out.

James, who was expected to be the face of any expansion bid, is also no longer planning to launch an application. "No, I’m not. … Not at all," he said.

A source close to James added, "With Fenway no longer pursuing NBA ownership, it is less likely that LeBron will pursue a team." While FSG is not considered a contender, it could be a welcome boost for the teams already under its control.

Launching an NBA expansion franchise would require significant attention, likely taking some of the focus away from Liverpool and the Red Sox specifically. Boston is aiming to become a World Series contender once again, and Liverpool is also in a transitional period, especially with Salah set to leave.