The helicopter that new 76ers superstar LeBron James uses to commute between New York and Philadelphia remains a topic of conversation in NBA circles. Just ahead of the league’s 2026-27 season, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver characterized the Fanatics-branded aircraft and the financial structure of the arrangement as “perfectly appropriate.”
James played in the Sixers’ preseason finale Friday and was asked about the chatter surrounding his preferred method of travel on days when he needs to commute from the team’s facility to New York City.
“Yeah, I’ve done it before,” and described the rotorcraft as “just another way of transportation.”
“That’s all,” James added.
Fanatics, which was founded by former 76ers minority owner Michael Rubin, is covering the costs associated with transporting James on the roughly 40-minute, one-way trip.
According to multiple reports, James’ estimated commute costs for Sixers home games are expected to total just under $1 million this season, depending on how often he uses the helicopter. The Athletic calculated that flying James to and from 41 home games at $4,000 per flight would create a $328,000 tab. That figure does not include trips for practices, though it also does not account for flight cancellations.
In 2022, Rubin said he decided to sell his stake to “ensure our new businesses don’t conflict with my responsibilities as part-owner of the Sixers.”
Rubin said in June 2022 that he decided to sell his stake “to ensure our new businesses don’t conflict with my responsibilities as part-owner of the Sixers.” Rubin was part of the ownership group that purchased the 76ers for an estimated $290 million in 2011. But as Fanatics expanded into sports betting and other business ventures, Rubin decided it was time to sell his estimated 10% stake in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
Rubin continues to be a self-described “life-long fan” of the team.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Silver made clear that there was no reason to be concerned about either the arrangement between James and Fanatics or potential salary-cap circumvention.
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“He has a deal with Fanatics,” Silver said just hours before the Detroit Pistons rallied for a comeback win over the Boston Celtics to tip off the new season. ” . . . Part of his deal is they’re going to supply a helicopter to him as long as it’s just a deal between the Fanatics and LeBron and no team is involved; there’s no rules issue there whatsoever.”
After signing with the Sixers in free agency, James decided his primary residence would be in the country’s largest city. He is not the first NBA player to do so while playing for Philadelphia. Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick also lived in New York during his two seasons with the Sixers. But James’ decision to make the routine trip by helicopter has drawn particular attention.
After 76ers practice has wrapped and news conferences are underway, James’ teammates have occasionally paused and laughed as the noise from his helicopter taking off from the roof of the team’s business center briefly drowns out their responses.
The 76ers visit Madison Square Garden to face the reigning champion New York Knicks Tuesday night.
