LeBron James has been given open access to a Fanatics helicopter as part of his long-term partnership with the company, allowing the newly signed Philadelphia 76ers star to travel between Philadelphia and New York by air.
A source close to Fanatics said James is a “key partner” and one of the “most important athletes in the world”, meaning he can use the company’s aircraft whenever he wants.
James was seen leaving Philadelphia after the 76ers’ Saturday scrimmage aboard a Fanatics Leonardo AW139 helicopter. The flight to New York took about 45 minutes.
A comparable charter journey is understood to cost between $6,000 and $9,000 each way. By car, the roughly 95-mile trip would take about two hours.
His access to Fanatics aircraft is part of what the source described as James’s “broad long term deal” with the company.
The 76ers are scheduled to play 41 home games during the regular season, before taking account of practice, pre-season and playoff commitments. Each would require James to make the journey to Philadelphia.
It remains unclear whether he will use the Fanatics helicopter regularly or only occasionally. The arrangement means, according to the source, that he only needs to ask.
