Group Seeking to Build $5 Billion NBA Rival Advised by Maverick Carter

On By Littum

One of LeBron James’ business partners is advising a group of investors interested in trying to form an international basketball league to compete with the NBA.

A report from Bloomberg linked Maverick Carter to the group looking to raise $5 billion from private capital sources.

UBS Group AG and Evercore Inc. is involved in helping to raise funds.

The league would consist of six men’s and women’s teams, and matches would be played in eight cities globally.

Maverick Carter attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

The league would spend two weeks in each city and would be shaped similar to the way Formula 1 operates with races in different cities during its racing season, Bloomberg reported.

Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, former Facebook executive Grady Burnett and investment firm SC Holdings were also linked as backers of the potential league.

Brandon Weems, Maverick Carter, Keith Dambrot and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers pose for a photo during the game on April 6, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images

Front Office Sports confirmed Bloomberg report, adding that James is not part of the effort.

It is unclear if or when the potential league will be revealed.

James and Carter are childhood friends who co-founded The SpringHill Company in 2020.

The group of investors is trying to create a league that can compete with the NBA. Jerome Miron-Imagn pictures

The duo also launched the brand UNIINTERRUPTED together.