A groundbreaking effort is underway to launch a global basketball league that could serve as a direct competitor to the NBA. The initiative, reportedly backed by prominent investors and advised by Maverick Carter, a key figure in LeBron James’ business empire, aims to redefine professional basketball on a global scale.
The proposed league plans to feature 12 teams—six men’s and six women’s—competing in a unique international format. Games would take place in eight global cities, rotating every two weeks to mimic the globe-trotting nature of Formula 1. Singapore has already been identified as one of the host locations, emphasizing the league’s vision of becoming a premium, worldwide basketball experience.
To bring this vision to life, the group is seeking to raise $5 billion through private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals. High-profile supporters of the initiative include Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, former Facebook executive Grady Burnett, and SC Holdings’ Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic. The fundraising process is being managed by UBS Group AG and Evercore Inc., signaling the high financial stakes of the endeavor.
This proposed league enters a landscape where basketball’s global popularity is surging. By offering a premium international format, it seeks to attract top talent and audiences from across the globe. However, the league will face significant challenges in competing with the NBA, which has held its position as the dominant force in professional basketball for decades. The NBA’s strict ownership rules, which limit private equity funds to minority stakes, may also play a role in shaping this new competitor’s approach.
The NBA hasn’t faced a major rival since it absorbed the ABA in 1976. While previous attempts to challenge dominant U.S. sports leagues—such as alternate football leagues taking on the NFL—have largely struggled, this effort hopes to carve out its niche by offering a distinct international and co-ed format. The rise of alternative basketball leagues, such as the 3-on-3 Unrivaled League featuring WNBA stars, further highlights the growing appetite for new basketball experiences.
Maverick Carter’s involvement brings additional credibility and insight to the initiative, given his extensive experience in managing sports and entertainment ventures. However, it has been confirmed that LeBron James is not involved in the project. James, who has expressed an interest in owning an NBA team post-retirement, remains focused on his playing career, with a player option for the 2025-26 season.
As the investment group works to secure funding and finalize plans, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if this ambitious project can turn its bold vision into reality.
