In recent years, the landscape of professional basketball has seen the emergence of new leagues attempting to carve out their niche. While leagues like BIG3 and Unrivaled have gained some traction, they remain significantly overshadowed by the NBA, which continues to reign supreme in the basketball world. For instance, BIG3 reported revenues of $13.5 million in 2024, while Unrivaled achieved a valuation of $340 million in 2025. However, neither has come close to the global power and reach of the NBA, led by commissioner Adam Silver.
This dynamic might be on the verge of a significant shift. A group of investors, with Maverick Carter as an advisor, is reportedly working to raise around $5 billion to launch a new international basketball league designed to compete directly with the NBA.
The connection to LeBron James is what has sparked widespread speculation. Carter, a longtime friend and business partner of James, is believed to have the NBA superstar among the initial investors in this ambitious project. The rumors gained momentum when LeBron was spotted with Carter and Miko Ranatovi, the influential agent of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Ranatovi disclosed on a Serbian podcast that the plan involves creating a league with a strong European focus, featuring twelve teams—six men’s and six women’s—playing in eight cities worldwide, reminiscent of the Formula 1 racing model.
This potential league is not just backed by James and Carter; it has the financial backing of major sovereign funds and private capital, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the government of Singapore, UBS, and notable firms like SC Holdings. Additionally, prominent figures such as Geoff Prentice, co-founder of Skype, and Grady Burnett, a former Facebook executive, are involved, indicating a serious commitment to establishing a global competition that blends sports entertainment with commercial viability.
The burning question remains: Will LeBron James take the court in this new league? At 40 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers forward continues to perform at an elite level, showing no signs of slowing down. According to ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst, LeBron has expressed that he still has several seasons left in him, although he has been coy about when he might retire.
While it is still early days, the prospect of seeing LeBron James donning a uniform for this international league—whether as a player or an investor—could transform the project into a significant sports and media phenomenon. His involvement alone would undoubtedly draw considerable attention, potentially reshaping the basketball landscape as we know it.
As the NBA season progresses, fans will be watching closely for any developments related to this intriguing project. The idea of a rival league has always been a topic of discussion, but with LeBron James potentially in the mix, this venture could become a reality that challenges the NBA’s dominance.
In the meantime, basketball enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the current NBA season, keeping an eye on player performances, trades, and other news that shapes the league. With stars like LeBron James still in the game, the excitement surrounding the NBA remains palpable, even as whispers of an international league loom in the background.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the basketball world could be on the brink of a significant transformation. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or simply curious about the future of basketball, the potential creation of a new league backed by LeBron James and a host of influential investors is certainly worth following.