There’s often deeper meaning hidden within an Instagram update, especially when it features figures like LeBron James alongside Nikola Jokić’s European representative.
Miško Ražnatović, whom Eurohoops recognizes as a leading agent in Europe, posted a photo of himself meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers icon and his longstanding business associate, Maverick Carter, accompanied by the phrase, “The summer of 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to plan extensively for autumn 2026!”
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Following its appearance on Saturday, the post ignited considerable discussion about its implications (Could James be joining the Denver Nuggets?!), but Front Office Sports clarified the situation on Wednesday, revealing that the group was conversing about a novel international basketball league spearheaded by Carter.
This global league has reportedly been under development for a considerable period. Bloomberg mentioned in January that Carter was consulting with a set of investors looking to acquire $5 billion in funds for a league aiming to challenge the NBA.
What might the structure of this new international basketball league resemble?
According to the Financial Times, the investor pool includes entities like the Singaporean government, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, and a Macau-based casino operator.
The league is anticipated to consist of six men’s and six women’s teams, which will tour across eight chosen host cities globally. A key aspect is that players are expected to gain equity within the new league but will forfeit their eligibility to continue playing in the NBA if they decide to participate.
Parallel efforts are underway to establish novel leagues across various sports. The Unrivaled league in women’s basketball has similarly attracted premier athletes by promising equity, often significantly increasing their WNBA salaries, yet still allowing them to compete in the WNBA.
Conversely, LIV Golf operates on an international scale and has successfully encouraged several well-known figures to depart from the established PGA Tour. The primary incentive: substantial monetary compensation (especially for high-profile players) and the potential for equity in the teams they represent.
Which athletes would be likely to participate in this league?
The central question now revolves around the type of player who would commit to this league. A $5 billion venture sounds impressive, but it would be competing with a league that recently finalized $76 billion in television rights deals, particularly if it intends to recruit any NBA stars. This context highlights the importance of the meeting with Ražnatović and his European clientele, as the future of basketball in Europe and beyond is beginning to resemble a three-way competition.
In one corner is the established EuroLeague. In another would be the Carter-led international league. And completing the set is the NBA’s declared intention to explore a form of NBA Europe with the introduction of new teams to the continent. One could assume that this combination would elevate player compensation worldwide, possibly even providing some older NBA players with a financial boost similar to that seen in LIV.
James’ precise role, whether as an investor or player, remains to be determined.
Numerous aspects of these emerging leagues remain uncertain, but the substantial financial backing underscores the seriousness of the situation within a sports environment where significant capital reserves have demonstrated effectiveness in disrupting established norms.
