MIAMI (AFP) - Two of the biggest names in world sport over the past decade could yet team up in Miami, if David Beckham gets his way.

The former England and Manchester United star on Wednesday ended months of speculation by confirming that he will be the owner of a new Major League Soccer team in Miami.

And he hopes LeBron James, a four-time National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player who stars for the champion Miami Heat, will soon be joining him in the ambitious venture.

"LeBron is a friend so we speak as friends about what we're doing, but he's a great businessman as well," said Beckham, who leads a team of investors that are reportedly paying US$25 million (S$32 million) for the franchise.

"If LeBron comes on, that'd be amazing because people love him in the city and people love him in sports," added Beckham.

"He's not just a great sportsman but he's a great man as well, and someone that does a lot outside the game as well.

"So to have him involved would be a good thing."

James has made no secret of his interest in Beckham's project to bring football back to Miami, telling reporters in November that he and the former LA Galaxy midfielder were in talks.

The basketball star is already a minority investor in Premier League giants Liverpool.