Sep 28, 2026; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers LeBron James poses for a photograph throughout media day. Obligatory Credit score: Invoice Streicher-Imagn Pictures Because the months have handed since LeBron James determined to signal a free agent contract with the 76ers, it’s beginning to change into extra comprehensible why he picked Philadelphia.
A brand new report in The Athletic detailed that LeBron’s cope with Polymarket, a prediction market platform that permits customers to commerce contracts outcomes of real-world occasions, together with NBA video games, is price round $15 million yearly.
Whereas this doesn’t break the NBA’s guidelines, the $15 million coming from a private model deal made it simpler for LeBron to signal a veteran minimal contract with Philadelphia. The Polymarket deal pays LeBron extra in a single 12 months than the Sixers will all through the length of his two-year contract, if LeBron decides to stay with Philadelphia after the 2026-27 season.
He’s additionally helicoptering to video games.
You’ve in all probability heard about that, as LeBron had a reasonably loud departure following his first observe with the Sixers.
He’s dwelling in New York Metropolis, and has admitted to ESPN that he would’ve signed with the Knicks in free company in the event that they wouldn’t have crushed the San Antonio Spurs to win the NBA title in June.
“I had visions of taking part in within the Backyard and ending my profession within the Backyard. The most effective locations I’ve ever performed. I believe it is the No. 1 area on this planet, so far as for a basketball participant,” James stated. “However after they beat San Antonio, I used to be like, ‘Hey, I can not.’ I could not do it. Y’all would not have let me lay that down, in any respect.”
So as a substitute of becoming a member of the Knicks and forming a superteam with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities, LeBron determined to kind one in all his personal that may cope with New York, whereas he’ll stay within the Large Apple and take a helicopter experience to video games.
But it surely’s not even his helicopter.
Entrance Workplace Sports activities reported that LeBron is utilizing the Fanatics chopper as a part of his partnership with the huge sports activities attire firm.
So, LeBron is making extra by way of a Polymarket deal than he’ll within the NBA. His transportation to and from NYC is being lined by Fanatics.
The Sixers obtained a reasonably candy deal, so long as LeBron stays engaged.
On media day, LeBron famous that he didn’t depart his household in Los Angeles to lose within the second spherical of the NBA Playoffs.
That’s not a coincidence. Nothing LeBron ever says is.
He’s anticipating the Sixers to make some severe noise within the NBA postseason. Becoming a member of forces with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V. J. Edgecombe will undoubtedly make Philadelphia one of many premier common season groups within the Japanese Convention.
However LeBron is anticipating extra within the postseason, and that’s important.
Not as important as his present dwelling preparations, which appeared to have come collectively properly for him forward of his twenty fourth NBA season. He simply revealed persistent arthritis in his foot. However he’ll have all of his bills lined by his prediction market deal, and Fanatics pays for the helicopter airfare.
He could not have had this form of arrange with the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Warmth, so the Sixers higher take benefit.
