Golden Knights owner wants to bring NBA team to Las Vegas

Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley told Nevada Week on Nevada PBS that he wants to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas.

Foley said no “formal contact with the NBA” but assures fans that he is one of the potential owners of possibly bringing the NBA to Las Vegas.

“They know who we are,” Foley said. “We’re one of several that has a group that’s been put together, so we have the money.”

Foley, who owns a stake in T-Mobile Arena, anticipates it would need a “facelift” if it had an NBA team. While some ownership groups have discussed building a new arena, Foley called that a “waste of time.” He said his group has a $300 million plan to upgrade T-Mobile Arena and its surrounding areas to be an NBA-ready venue.

“So, we have a lot of things we’re working on,” Foley said. “But there will be more revealed later. I learned from my time with [NHL Commissioner] Gary Bettman. I should not speak to anything about what a commissioner might or might not do. He laid it on the line for me.”

Foley also has an ownership stake in AFC Bournemouth, FC Lorient, and Auckland FC. He manages his franchises actively but leaves most of the football operations to their localized staff.

As for what team will get most of his focus, Foley instantly answered the question.

“Vegas Golden Knights,” Foley said, smiling. “I love hockey. I love what the Golden Knights are to the community and what we’ve done for the community. We’re really part of the fabric. We’re the first major league sports teams to Las Vegas.”

So don’t fret, Golden Knights fans. Foley might be buying more sports franchises, but the Golden Knights have a special place in his heart.

Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.