Pablo Torre ‘looking into’ LeBron James’ helicopter benefits from Michael Rubin

October 14, 2026

Investigative journalist Pablo Torre is reportedly examining the unusual arrangement behind LeBron James’ helicopter travel during his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers. Sources indicate that James has been using a Fanatics-owned helicopter for free, courtesy of a sponsorship deal negotiated by Michael Rubin, who previously served as a minority owner of the Sixers before becoming CEO of Fanatics.

The arrangement has raised eyebrows among NBA owners, several of whom have reached out to Torre to question its legality, given Rubin’s past ties to the league. Torre, known for his work exposing salary-cap circumvention in the Clippers’ acquisition of Kawhi Leonard, has framed the helicopter deal as a potential gray area worth probing—especially after Rubin himself admitted in 2024 to violating NBA rules during his ownership stint.

The story intersects with broader questions about accountability for billionaire owners and the boundaries of player sponsorships, with Torre suggesting his reporting could pressure the league to address these concerns more rigorously.