NBC has started the search for a new "Celebrity Apprentice" host that will replace Donald Trump in the next season, and at least three names top the list: Magic Johnson, Richard Branson and Mark Cuban, according to Us Weekly.
Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA Championships between 1980 and 1988. He now co-owns the MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. Branson is the Virgin Group founder and Cuban owns the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Cuban is the least likely of the three to take the gig given he already holds a similar job on ABC's "Shark Tank," which he prefers to "Celebrity Apprentice."
"Mark's not interested," a source told Us Weekly. "He thinks 'Shark Tank' is a way better show and loves being a part of it."
Branson also appears unlikely to sign on. "Richard has a very busy schedule of worldwide commitments that would not enable him to do this," a rep for the English businessman told Us.
Actor and comedian George Lopez was reportedly in early talks to take over the hosting gig in July. Homemaker extraordinaire Martha Stewart has also come up in discussions.
NBC cut ties with Trump after he made disparaging remarks about Mexican immigrants during the launch of his presidential campaign in June. NBC Chairman Bob Greenblatt told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour in July that "Celebrity Apprentice" will not return until the 2016-2017 TV season.
