Maverick Carter, the business manager of NBA superstar LeBron James, is reportedly advising a group of investors in their ambitious plan to establish a new international basketball league with a projected budget of $5 billion. This proposed league aims to compete directly with the NBA and will feature six men's teams and six women's teams playing across various global venues. Although Carter is closely associated with LeBron James, sources indicate that James is not directly involved in this new venture.

The group behind this initiative is looking to secure funding from private equity and sovereign wealth funds. Currently, the NBA restricts private equity funds to a maximum 20% ownership in teams and prohibits them from holding governance roles, which presents a challenge for the new league. Historically, the NBA has not faced a significant rival since the American Basketball Association (ABA) dissolved in the 1970s, leading to the NBA absorbing four of its teams.

Despite the challenges, the potential establishment of a competing league signals a transformative moment in professional basketball. If successful, this venture could reshape the landscape of the sport, offering new opportunities for players and fans alike. As the investment group pursues this ambitious goal, the implications for both leagues—NBA and the proposed one—will be closely watched by basketball enthusiasts and industry experts.