LeBron James 'taking Fanatics helicopter' home to New York from Philadelphia
LeBron James 'taking Fanatics helicopter' home to New York from Philadelphia
Jarrod Castillo Mon, October 5, 2026 at 10:20 PM UTC
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LeBron James is receiving flak for taking a helicopter to and from Philadelphia, with the aircraft provided by Fanatics -Credit:Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
LeBron James will be flying to Philadelphia and New York courtesy of Fanatics.
One of the more eye-opening moments of the NBA offseason was the revelation that James would be flying from Philadelphia to a residence in New York before and after the 76ers' home games and practices. As more information comes to light about his helicopter trips, it has been revealed that the aircraft he would be flying in was from Fanatics.
The newest update comes as the 41-year-old was slammed for his decision to take a helicopter to and from New York, despite playing for the 76ers this season.
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In a statement to Front Office Sports, a spokesperson for the 76ers' newest star explained that the deal allowed James to use Fanatics' helicopter to travel to and from Philadelphia.
“The deal we signed with Fanatics almost three years ago includes access to their corporate aviation,” the spokesperson said to the outlet. “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.”
Since being signed by the 76ers, records show that the helicopter James has used as made 12 round-trip flights from Philadelphia to New York. Typically, each round-trip helicopter flight would cost anywhere between $8,000 and $20,000, though it is unknown how much it would cost James.
LeBron James recently agreed to a massive deal with Polymarket -Credit:Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images
The Philly Voice reported that for the season, which includes the 76ers' 41 home games and 26 practices for a rough total of 67 flights, it could cost over $800,000 in travel just for the 2026-27 year alone.
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The trip also significantly reduces travel time, at least compared to driving. A one-way trip from Philadelphia to New York, and vice versa, would take roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the landing zone, a much shorter duration than the at least 90-minute trek if the 41-year-old were to travel by car.
What's more, when he was asked if he would be living in New York and Philadelphia for the season, James simply stated, "Both ... multiple residences."
James' deal with Fanatics, including a helicopter deal, is just the latest in what has been an eventful offseason for the star off the court, with the 41-year-old recently being named one of Polymarket's newest faces.
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When James signed with the 76ers, he inked a two-year, $7.9 million deal, with $3.9 million in the first season and $4.1 million in the second, should he accept the player option. It marked the first time in his career that James had signed for the veteran minimum.
With Polymarket, however, the 41-year-old is expected to earn $15 million per year, nearly four times his salary with the 76ers. It appears that money is no object for James, who has earned more than $580 million since he was drafted in 2003.
As he continues his career, it remains to be seen how the new-look 76ers will fare, especially with multiple teams now gunning for them.
What is evident, however, is that James will do what he can to make the most of his time back in the Eastern Conference, even if that means flying by helicopter.
Source: “AOL Sports”
