LeBron James and longtime business partner Maverick Carter are preparing their next move off the court. The Los Angeles Lakers star and Carter are reportedly putting plans in place to launch an international basketball league by 2026, one designed to offer a genuine alternative to the NBA.
The vision is ambitious. A European-style format. Six men’s and six women’s teams. A touring circuit through global cities that looks more like Formula 1 than the traditional U.S. league model.
Global Alternative to the NBA
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James and Carter are working with a group of investors to make the league a reality. Among the names reportedly involved are RedBird Capital Partners and Fenway Sports Group, which already own major clubs like Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox.
“The group of investors wants to create a league that would somehow compete with the NBA. They don’t want it to be a U.S. league, they want it to have a European flavor,” Windhorst said on the Hoops Collective podcast.
The structure would reportedly feature both men’s and women’s teams traveling together to eight international stops. A July meeting in Saint-Tropez — involving James, Carter, and Nikola Jokic‘s agent Misko Raznatovic — was one of several conversations pushing the idea forward.
The target launch date is fall 2026.
Why Now?
The timing isn’t accidental. Talk of NBA expansion has picked up, with Las Vegas and Seattle floated as potential destinations. James has made his interest in Las Vegas well known, fueling speculation about his next chapter beyond his playing career.
What sets this project apart is the backing. Unlike previous challengers that fizzled, James and Carter are partnering with investment groups with the resources and track record to run global sports properties. For investors, the appeal is obvious: create a product with international reach that offers a different style of play than the NBA.
For James, it’s the start of a new chapter. Championships and records define his career. Now ownership, vision, and legacy appear to be his priorities.
Rich Paul Raises Eyebrows About LeBron’s Lakers Future
While James maps out his post-playing ventures, questions remain about how much longer he’ll be on the court. His agent Rich Paul made headlines this week with a cryptic message to fans.
Appearing on NBA Today, ESPN’s Shams Charania relayed Paul’s comments.
“It’s important not to worry about the future when it comes to LeBron James. Just appreciate the present.”
At 40 years old and entering another grueling season with the Los Angeles Lakers, James’ future is unclear. Retirement and a potential opt-out are both on the table. Last season, he still averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three.
Lakers Must Prepare for Life After LeBron
The Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic was as much about tomorrow as it was today. Los Angeles is chasing another title with James, but also knows a future without him is approaching fast.
James has reshaped the Lakers since 2018, delivering a title in 2020 and putting them back on the map. But his business moves — from media ventures to the new league — make it clear that his legacy will stretch beyond his playing days.
Whether this is his final season or not, the next phase of his career has already begun.