Floyd Mayweather Says NBA Expansion Ownership Too Stressful As He Battles Financial Problems

April 02, 2026

Floyd Mayweather abandons his NBA expansion ownership pursuit, citing owner stress while facing $340M in lawsuits and unpaid rent.

Floyd Mayweather just pumped the brakes on his NBA ownership dreams, and the timing couldn’t be more telling given his mounting financial troubles.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, boxing legend told reporters Saturday at an MCM store event in Las Vegas that he’s no longer sure about pursuing a stake in a potential NBA expansion team, despite publicly expressing interest as recently as 2022.

His sudden hesitation comes as he’s drowning in legal battles and unpaid bills, painting a starkly different picture from the cash-stacked Instagram posts he loves to share.

Mayweather’s financial situation has deteriorated significantly over the past year.

He’s facing a $340 million lawsuit against Showtime Networks, alleging the company conspired with his former manager, Al Haymon, to steal hundreds of millions from his fight earnings through hidden accounts and unauthorized transactions.

According to the LA Times, Mayweather claims Haymon diverted portions of his earnings under false pretenses, putting fight revenues into secret accounts he couldn’t access.

Meanwhile, landlords at Manhattan’s Baccarat Hotel and Residences are suing him for over $330,000 in unpaid rent on his luxury penthouse after he stopped paying the $100,000 monthly lease in July 2025.

The stress of ownership clearly weighs on him.

When asked about the reported $7 billion to $10 billion expansion fee, Mayweather acknowledged the investment would be solid in the long term, noting that sports franchise valuations only climb higher.

But he then revealed his real concern, saying he’s watched NBA owners start out looking happy, only to age rapidly under the pressure.

“You see an owner get involved with the NBA, and he’s looking happy. Then as years progress, he’s looking older,” he explained.

That’s a telling admission from someone who’s already facing allegations of financial manipulation and multiple lawsuits.

Magic Johnson’s ownership group, the MAGI, is now actively bidding on the expansion team after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league is formally exploring Las Vegas and Seattle.

Mayweather praised Johnson as a “true legend” and “hell of a businessman,” but made clear he’s stepping back from the game.

Despite these troubles, Mayweather remains committed to Las Vegas, where he’s lived for three decades. He’s been a regular at Michelob Ultra Arena, supporting the WNBA’s Aces since their 2018 arrival, and continues to back the city’s professional sports expansion.

“I’m happy for the whole city of Las Vegas. I’m going to stand behind the city of Las Vegas and push Las Vegas to continue to be great,” he said.

The NBA expansion is expected as early as the 2028-29 season, but Mayweather won’t be part of the ownership group trying to bring it to life.

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