Ex-76ers Owner Helping LeBron James Fly By Helicopter For Free

LeBron James‘ move to the Philadelphia 76ers has sent the NBA world into a frenzy. When it was announced that he would be testing free agency after parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers, a number of teams were linked to his future.

While many expected him to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or maybe even the Miami Heat, he surprised everyone with his decision. His decision to join Philly left many baffled, as he did not have any previous affiliation with the franchise or the city.

The King has completed 23 seasons in the NBA. He may be at the back end of his career, but it is not shocking to see multiple teams show interest in him after his exploits last season.

While James did join the 76ers, many questioned whether he would live in Philly, as he had no prior connections to the city and his family would not be relocating with him. It was later reported that he would be living in New York and would travel back and forth via a helicopter.

The helicopter trip will cut his trip from two hours to just 45 minutes. It was estimated that the frequent travel would cost him around $800k for the season.

But according to Front Office Sports, LeBron James is reportedly paying nothing for his regular helicopter commute. He has been using Fanatics’ corporate aviation as part of his existing partnership with the company. Fanatics is a sports platform founded by Michael Rubin.

Essentially, this is Michael Rubin using his money at Fanatics and his connections to the 76ers to assist them in circumventing the salary cap. But because he isn’t within the league he is not bound by the CBA or its guidelines. If Ballmer ever wants to sell his ownership stake in the Clippers he could end up doing the same thing. Acting as an outside “advisor” and doing things like offering star players multimillion dollar perks to convince them to sign with the franchise because he’s a “fan” and the owners are like his “family.” Except he’d be able to do it on an even more massive scale since he’s worth $144B more.

— APHoops (@APH00PS) October 5, 2026

Michael Rubin was a former minority owner of the 76ers. Hence, some suspected foul play when James signed for the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal. Rubin may have used his financial leverage to lure the four-time champion to his hometown team, and the free helicopter travel may be one of the incentives.

Fans react to LeBron James not spending a dime for his helicopter commute

LeBron James has already been seen taking the helicopter from his training facility in Philly. The King and Rubin share a good relationship with each other, and the latter signed a multi-year trading card partnership with Fanatics collectibles in 2024.

After reports of James’ helicopter travel being free, it generated mixed reactions on social media.

@APH00PS So did he start recruiting Lebron in 2024? Google isn’t that hard champ

— Andrew Seman (@andrew_seman) October 6, 2026

@APH00PS @Whi2XimesTM @FOS Sounds like the same shit Kawhi did but no cares because it’s LeBron

— RyDawgg8008Z (@Rydawgg8008) October 5, 2026

@APH00PS @FOS Bro is circumventing the salary cap😅

— Kananton (@Kananton3) October 6, 2026

@APH00PS Silver is displaying bias vs LA Clippers if he doesn’t investigate this. He nailed Ballmer not for circumventing the cap with his money, but for encouraging team partners to pay Kawhi through "introductions." The LeBron-Fanatics deal is only one degree different from that.

— John W Stodder Jr (@johnstodder) October 6, 2026

@APH00PS That’s why LeBron signed the deal he went against his own morals he dgaf about sports betting he’s getting paid under the table

— Amir Wahli (@amir_wahli) October 6, 2026

@APH00PS @FOS Ya @PabloTorre biased ass get going https://t.co/KGuHh54TK8

— Tobias Barkley (@TobiasBarkley) October 5, 2026

@APH00PS @FOS we all know lebron didn’t take that massive paycut. he’s being paid off the books just like kawhi

— shawn (@shawnbay_) October 5, 2026

@APH00PS @FOS So Adam Sliver gonna turn a blind eye to LeBron hey @PabloTorre you know what to do

— Amir Wahli (@amir_wahli) October 6, 2026

Fans compared LeBron James’ partnership with Fanatics to Kawhi Leonard’s sponsorship deals with the Los Angeles Clippers. Many suspected that this deal is circumventing the salary cap.

LeBron James’ free helicopter rides are a part of his contract with Fanatics

The free and unlimited use of a company-branded helicopter is part of LeBron James’ deal with Fanatics. Hence, many have drawn parallels to the Clippers’ hidden sponsorship deals with Leonard.

While money isn’t a priority for LeBron James at this stage of his career, his $8 million, two-year deal with the 76ers caught a lot of eyeballs. It was a huge pay cut for someone like James. Many suspected salary cap circumvention when he signed a deal with Polymarket last month.

However, a spokesperson for James confirmed that part of his contract with Fanatics includes free use of the company helicopter.

The deal we signed with Fanatics almost three years ago includes access to their corporate aviation. It’s a feature in many of their deals with their largest athletes, and we appreciate their partnership as LeBron splits his time between New York and Philadelphia.

LeBron James’ spokesperson on Front Office Sports

At this stage of his career, that might be one of the more useful perks attached to any endorsement deal he has signed. James’ move to Philly has already transformed the franchise off the court, and he remains the face of the league to this day.

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