Floyd Mayweather Says He’s Involved with Times Square Casino Effort

Add Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  to the list of big names involved with a plan to bring a casino to Times Square in New York City.

In a recent interview with the Earn Your Leisure podcast, the 45-year old retired boxing champion says he’s had a long relationship with SL Green Realty — the real estate investment trust (REIT) that’s looking to bring a gaming venue to 1515 Broadway. Caesars Entertainment would operate the casino-hotel, which will be named Caesars Palace — assuming it comes to life.

SL Green is a company that I’ve been working with for so many years, and Andrew Mathias, you know, great business guy,” Mayweather said on the podcast.

Mathias is the president of SL Green, which is New York City’s largest commercial landlord. In the interview, Mayweather credited Mathias with helping him realize the value of passive income created by property ownership. Today, Mayweather, who won all 50 of his professional fights, is landlord in his own right, including significant real estate holdings in the Las Vegas Valley where he lives.

Mayweather Joins Jay-Z Times Square Casino Plan

The extent to which “Pretty Boy Floyd” is involved in the Times Square casino project isn’t yet clear. But there’s no denying the project is luring some big names.

“New York is a beacon, the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of Times Square, the true crossroads of the world,” Jay-Z said in a press release. “My partnership with SL Green and Caesars, this coalition, has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth and enrichment for the community, and everyone who visits the Empire State.”

For Mayweather’s part, involvement in the Times Square casino represents another addition to his sprawling business empire, which includes a boxing gym, NASCAR team, promotions company and a gentleman’s club, as well as a desire to team with LeBron James to own an NBA team, possibly in Las Vegas.

Star Power, Opposition Remains

Whether it’s Caesars, Jay-Z, or Mayweather, there’s no denying that the Times Square casino plan is attracting some big names. All that star power isn’t keeping opposition at bay.

Both the Broadway League and the Shubert Organization are voicing dissent to the Times Square casino effort. Shubert is the largest owner of theaters in the US, while the League is the Broadway industry’s trade group. The combined potency of those groups could be a significant headwind for Caesars and SL Green.

Opposition to the Times Square casino proposal centers around concerns that a gaming venue will keep visitors focused on betting and away from local theaters and eateries.