Pablo Torre Examines James’s Fanatics Helicopter Access

Pablo Torre said he and his podcast are examining LeBron James’s use of a Fanatics helicopter to travel between New York and Philadelphia, adding that NBA owners have sent him tips about the arrangement. Torre made the remarks at the Front Office Sports Tune In Summit in New York on October 13. He said the matter interested his team as a story and could also be of interest to the league, but did not say whether they would publish findings. James is playing for the Philadelphia 76ers while living in New York with his family. He has used a Fanatics-branded helicopter for travel to practices and preseason games. A spokesperson for James said his Fanatics agreement, signed nearly three years earlier, includes access to the company’s corporate aviation. The spokesperson said the agreement predates James’s 76ers deal and allows him to split his time between the two cities. The timing is central to the questions raised about the arrangement. James joined the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract in July, while the spokesperson said the Fanatics aviation access was part of an earlier agreement.