In February for Black History Month, USA TODAY Sports is publishing the series “28 Black Stories in 28 Days.” We examine the issues, challenges and opportunities Black athletes and sports officials continue to face after the nation’s reckoning on race following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. This is the third installment of the series.
Almost two years ago, it was reported that LeBron James and longtime friend and business partner Maverick Carter became minority owners in the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox.
The Boston Globe reported that James and Carter were the first two Black owners in FSG.
James has done so many remarkable things in his career and life that this purchase is low on the list.
Yet of all the things James has done, his buying into the FSG group remains one of the more impactful. Why?
It has to do with representation. This is what I mean:
‘Breaking down barriers’
There was something James’ agent, Rich Paul, told CNBC at the time that still resonates now.
“It’s breaking down the barriers,” Paul said. “You’re talking about a game that was once limited. Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente – guys like that people didn’t even want to play the game. The Negros had to have their own league to us now owning and representing in that business sector. It’s a testament to us continuing to evolve and not being complacent.”
What Paul made clear was James’ investment was only the beginning. It seems almost a certainty James will try to buy an NBA team.
Vegas, baby!
James has made it clear he wants to own a team in Las Vegas. I don’t know if that will happen but doubting James about anything is foolish.
James becoming an owner would be transformational for a simple reason. It would show people of color that it’s possible. If a kid from Akron, Ohio, can do it, so can they.
This is the power of LeBron James.