LeBron James financial transactions and Guggenheim links

Reports have emerged regarding the financial activities of LeBron James’s limited liability company, specifically involving significant transactions with entities advised by Guggenheim Partners.

In 2018, James’s company, King James Funding LLC, secured nearly $300 million in financing by issuing asset-backed bonds. This securitization utilized his future non-NBA earnings—such as his lifetime Nike sponsorship and other off-court assets—as collateral rather than his professional basketball salary. The bonds, which carry a 4.8% interest rate and mature in 2049, were purchased by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance and Midland National Life Insurance Co., both owned by Sammons Financial Group.

A representative for James stated the transactions were a “securitization done with his personal, non-NBA salary, assets and income” and noted the structures were fully approved by the NBA.

These financial dealings have drawn attention due to ongoing federal and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations into the financial transactions of insurance companies managed by Mark Walter, the former CEO of Guggenheim. Walter is reportedly cooperating with the investigation. Additionally, Guggenheim was involved in raising $100 million for James’s media venture, SpringHill Co., in 2020.