Red Sox chairman Tom Werner expects to solicit LeBron James’ advice about strategic decisions in his new role as Red Sox owner. But don’t expect the NBA great to have a hand in the club's day-to-day operations.
In a pre-game interview Friday with WEEI, Werner clarified James’ role with Fenway Sports Group. James and Maverick Carter, his longtime friend and business associate, became the first Black partners in FSG earlier this month, selling their two-percent ownership stake in the soccer club, Liverpool F.C. FSG is the Red Sox's parent company.
“(James) is going to be a resource for conversations about player and player psychology,” Werner said. “He’s not going to be making any lineup decisions.”
Werner went on to laud James’ business acumen, citing his media company, SpringHill Entertainment, and relationships with mega-corporations such as Nike, Disney and Amazon. “It’s a juggernaut,” Werner said.
James first partnered with FSG in 2011 for an international marketing agreement. In an earlier interview with The Athletic, Werner said he’s developed friendships with James and Carter over the last 10 years.
“I will be surprised actually if they don't weigh in (on management decisions of either team), I would welcome their thoughts,” Werner said.
As the last MLB team to integrate, James' and Carter’s ownership stakes in the Red Sox are historically significant. It’s a fact that isn’t lost on Werner.
“The Red Sox have had a somewhat checkered history regarding race relations, but when John (Henry) and Mike (Gordon) and I came in, we are all for an inclusive park and inclusive organization up and down the management ranks,” Werner said on WEEI. “The fact that there are two owners of color in baseball is a good thing for baseball.”
James has been vocal about his desire to purchase a pro sports team of his own one day. His experience with the Red Sox could be his next stepping stone.
