A few prominent names are involved in the competition to own a potential expansion franchise in Las Vegas, Mick Akers of The Las Vegas Review Journal writes in a subscriber-only piece. In March, we relayed Akers’ report that Magic Johnson met with Nevada governor Joe Lombardo and other local leaders to discuss the franchise and a possible arena-resort development. A few more high rollers in the sports world have expressed interest since then.

They include Shaquille O’Neal, a part-time Las Vegas resident, former Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, and Bill Foley, owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. Akers hears from O’Neal’s Vegas-based business manager Perry Rogers that they’ve been involved in conversations with several interested ownership groups.

Akers reports that a number of those groups have mentioned Michael Jordan as well, but a source tells him that there have been no direct talks between Jordan and area officials.

We have more odds and ends from around the basketball world:

• Tony Parker has officially been named the new head coach of ASVEL Villeurbanne in France, the team announced in a statement, saying that it’s part of an effort “to redefine the club’s ambitions on a European scale.” The former Spurs star will be the highest-paid coach in the French League. “I feel immense pride in taking on this responsibility at this legendary club,” Parker said. “Getting back on the pitch on a daily basis, feeling the adrenaline of matches again and supporting a group in its progress are challenges that drive me deeply.” Former NBA center Daniel Theis will sign with the team, according to Kevin Martorano of Sportando.
• Two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks have been appointed as captains of the Canadian national team for its upcoming World Cup window, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet (Twitter link). The team also revealed its roster for a pair of World Cup qualifying games this week, featuring numerous players with NBA ties.
• JT Thor has re-signed with Pallacanestro Reggiana, according to Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. The power forward played for three NBA teams in five seasons.
• Players received $6.272 billion of the $11.676 billion the NBA brought in through basketball-related income during the just-completed league year, Eric Pincus states in a Substack column. That figure is about $317MM more than the players were permitted to get under the 49-51% split, so they will only have 4.52% of their 10% escrow returned, which results in a 5.48% reduction in salary. As an example, Pincus says a player with a $10MM salary for last season will wind up receiving $9.452MM.
• Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated and Sam Vecenie of The Athletic have released mock drafts for 2027. Kansas forward Tyran Stokes is at the top of both lists.