Pablo Torre examines Fanatics connection behind LeBron’s Philadelphia commute

Pablo Torre examined the business relationship behind LeBron James' use of a Fanatics helicopter in an October 15 report, tracing the timing of the basketball star's move to the 76ers.

In the October 15 episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, Torre discussed flight records and an aircraft registration change with Domonique Foxworth and former Marlins executive David Samson. Torre connected the timeline to James' appearances at Fanatics Fest and his July 24 announcement that he was joining Philadelphia.

Torre said records showed the helicopter's new registration number was authorized July 17, during Fanatics Fest. He also pointed to Topps, the trading-card company owned by Fanatics, announcing James' Philadelphia move with a promotional card moments before the usual NBA newsbreakers. The Philadelphia Inquirer separately reported those details from the episode.

James' relationship with Fanatics predates his move to the Sixers. The company announced an exclusive, multiyear trading-card partnership with him in January 2024. Fanatics founder Michael Rubin previously owned a minority stake in the 76ers but sold it in 2022.

The episode also relayed a statement from a James spokesperson saying his Fanatics agreement includes access to corporate aviation, a benefit the company provides in deals with other major athletes.

Torre explicitly said he was not alleging salary-cap circumvention. Samson explained that corporate aviation can be an ordinary contractual benefit; the discussion examined what any connection to a team's offer or an undisclosed benefit would mean. The episode established questions about the timeline, without establishing that James, Fanatics or Philadelphia had broken NBA rules.