Dave Portnoy has accused LeBron James’ deal with the Philadelphia 76ers of hiding an illegal side agreement with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. The Barstool Sports founder raised the claim after James signed a two-year contract worth about $8 million, a steep drop from the $53 million he earned last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James’ 2026-27 salary is reported as $3,876,529, a veteran minimum contract that surprised many given his stature. Portnoy suggested the contract is a façade masking a business arrangement involving Rubin, who is now the CEO of Fanatics and previously owned a minority stake in the 76ers. According to Portnoy, this deal allows James to circumvent salary-cap restrictions by receiving benefits outside his official NBA salary.
Reports indicate that James has access to Fanatics’ corporate aviation, which he has used to commute between New York and Philadelphia. This arrangement is part of his multiyear endorsement deal with Fanatics, which began in 2024. Portnoy claimed this “side deal” effectively enables James to live in New York while playing for Philadelphia without the usual commute difficulties.
“He basically took that contract because Rubin is doing a side deal with him,” Portnoy said. “He flies in and out. It’s illegal. It’s basically what Kawhi did, but the NBA won’t look into LeBron.”
The reference to Kawhi Leonard relates to a past NBA investigation that resulted in penalties for the Los Angeles Clippers. The league found impermissible financial benefits had been provided to Leonard through a deal involving Aspiration, which violated salary-cap rules.
Unlike Kawhi’s case, James’ relationship with Fanatics predates his signing with the 76ers. His endorsement deal with the company includes promotional work and commercial activities beyond basketball. James also earns substantial income from other endorsements, including a reported $15 million annual deal with Polymarket, dwarfing his NBA salary.
No official NBA investigation into James’ contract or his Fanatics arrangement has been announced. The league has not confirmed any wrongdoing, and Portnoy’s allegations remain unverified. Still, these comments have reignited debate over whether the NBA should scrutinize James’ surprisingly low salary and his business ties to Rubin.
James’ decision to join the 76ers on a veteran minimum contract was unexpected, given his previous earnings and status as a free agent. The reported side deal with Fanatics raises questions about how players and teams might work around salary-cap regulations through corporate partnerships.
For now, the only confirmed development is Portnoy’s public accusation and the details of James’ contract and endorsement agreements. The NBA has yet to respond to these claims or indicate they will open any formal inquiry.
According to Yahoo Sports.