Subject to Major League Baseball’s approval, LeBron James will own a portion of the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Globe reported this week that the NBA great joined Fenway Sports Group as a partner. James’ ownership interest in Premier League soccer team Liverpool is increased by this move, which also makes him and Maverick Carter the first Black partners in the history of FSG.

The fact that LeBron James, an active professional athlete, is so deeply involved in the ownership class is significant. We’re here to answer some of the many questions that will arise from this deal’s many moving pieces, or at the very least, to break them down. Here are some details regarding LeBron and Fenway’s cooperation.

LeBron already owned a piece of Liverpool, didn’t he?

Yes, he did. Specifically, James held two percent of the soccer team that he bought in 2011. But according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Globe, who broke the story first, he now owns “an undisclosed amount of FSG shares,” increasing his stake in the team. RedBird Capital Partners’ $750 million private investment into the ownership group will inevitably result in a rise in value.

For the Red Sox, what does this mean?

The ironic or funniest result of this entire acquisition may be that LeBron James now owns a portion of the Boston Red Sox in addition to other FSG companies. NESN, Roush Fenway Racing, and Fenway Sports Management are a few of these. The irony, of course, is in the general contempt that Boston sports fans have for James because of his on-court actions against the Celtics. The fact that James has publicly supported the Yankees, the Red Sox’s main opponent, is also hilarious.

In any case, let’s talk about what this means for the Red Sox. It’s unknown how much of an ownership stake James and Carter will have. On the other hand, the Red Sox have participated in a league-wide practice known as “destroying your roster to save money.” Two years after enjoying one of the greatest seasons in baseball history and winning a championship, the Red Sox made the decision to completely rebuild in 2019 and started with the trade of Mookie Betts. It may be harder for ownership to cry poor during free agency with this cash infusion.

Who is LeBron’s partner in this endeavor?

Maverick Carter, a longtime friend and business partner of James and a key role in the empire the Lakers star has constructed off the court, will be joining him. Carter will co-own the Red Sox and be a partner in FSG.

In any case, let’s talk about what this means for the Red Sox. It’s unknown how much of an ownership stake James and Carter will have. On the other hand, the Red Sox have participated in a league-wide practice known as “destroying your roster to save money.” Two years after enjoying one of the greatest seasons in baseball history and winning a championship, the Red Sox made the decision to completely rebuild in 2019 and started with the trade of Mookie Betts. It may be harder for ownership to cry poor during free agency with this cash infusion.