The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) brought about many significant changes in the NBA world, including expanding players’ financial opportunities. Now, players like Jayson Tatum can benefit from the updated rules on maximum extensions and WNBA ownership stakes. They can easily invest in various WNBA teams, marking a shift in player influence and investment opportunities.

Under the previous CBA, players could sign extensions worth up to 120% of their previous contracts. The 2023 CBA raised this cap to 140%, allowing NBA stars to sign five-year super-max extensions exceeding $300 million this past offseason.

In addition to contract adjustments, the new CBA introduced a 65-game minimum requirement for regular-season accolades. With the updated regulations, Tatum has also expanded his commercial reach, recently becoming a brand ambassador for Coach. These changes, combined with the CBA’s new ownership rules, allow Tatum to explore a potential WNBA franchise investment.

Yes, after a successful WNBA season, the league is reportedly considering a new franchise in St. Louis, Jayson Tatum’s hometown. According to Sportico’s Jacob Feldman, Tatum has partnered with billionaires Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffman to invest in the potential team. The new CBA allows NBA players to hold up to a 4% stake in WNBA franchises, giving Tatum the chance to make an impact in his community.

In the past, Tatum has shown his support for the WNBA, showing up to several games most recently supporting the Connecticut Suns.

Does the new CBA give Jayson Tatum and others an opportunity at NBA ownership?

With the new agreement providing a way to invest in the WNBA, is there a way for players to do the same with an NBA franchise? Notably, several of the affluent megastars have forwarded their intentions. LeBron James has openly asked for a Las Vegas franchise from Adam Silver. Even Stephen Curry has also spoken about the ‘dream’ of becoming an owner of an NBA franchise one day.

But is it possible for them to do so while still playing in the NBA? The answer to that is no.

NBA players can’t hold the ownership of a rival or their own team’s stakes while still being an active player. Hence, billionaire LeBron James will have to wait till his mind comes to peace with playing the game and he is ready to roll into the management side. Most recently, confusion did arise when reportedly Fenway Sports Group reportedly showed some interest in the Celtics.

If that did happen, James would only be able to claim his stake after his retirement and it would also shut down his Sin City dreams. However, the most recent update claims FSG has no temptations to take on the financial burdens the Shamrocks will require their new owners to take from next season onwards.

Hence, LeBron James will still appeal for an expansion to take place soon and in Las Vegas. Once his decorated career ends, he may immediately volunteer as an investor in the new franchise. Mark Cuban has flirted about pairing up with the King and Shaq for an organization. But that’s still years ahead. Let’s see what unravels by that time.