LeBron James’ business partner, Maverick Carter, and a group of other investors were reportedly in talks to lead the launch of a rival league to the NBA, but it seems they have switched attention to the WNBA amid uncertainty
LeBron James’ partner Maverick Carter is reportedly involved in talks for a new league as a rival to the WNBA(Image: Getty Images)
LeBron James’ business partner and his group of investors have reportedly moved their sights away from the NBA and toward the WNBA with the hope of creating a rival league.
James is approaching the end of his NBA career, but has opted in for the 2025-26 season after exercising his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Lakers. He suffered a sciatica injury and is set to miss the first few games of the upcoming campaign.
The 40-year-old is not only one of the greatest athletes of his generation, but James is also a serial businessman with a keen eye for entrepreneurial opportunities. While Carter, his right-hand man, was reportedly linked to creating a rival league to the NBA earlier this year, attention has reportedly been diverted, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
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In the offseason, James and his longtime business partner, Maverick Carter, met with Nikola Jokic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic — one of the most respected and influential basketball agents in Europe — in Saint-Tropez. The trio reportedly discussed plans for an international basketball league valued at $5 billion that was to rival the NBA.
Multiple player agents, current and former NBA executives, as well as support staffers, revealed they had been recruited to join the new league ahead of a possible 2026 launch. However, while the project had backing from PIF, the Saudi Arabian sovereign fund, Carter and James appear to be out.
Carter is now focusing his attention on a women’s basketball league that would rival the WNBA, per the report.
The league is currently navigating a challenging period, with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert facing pressure as players campaign for a significantly improved collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
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James is entering his record 23rd NBA season(Image: Getty Images)
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier recently took aim at Engelbert and the WNBA in a four-minute statement, which garnered plenty of support from other stars.
The disarray means that a lucrative rival could make a play and alter the women’s professional basketball landscape.
Women’s basketball has experienced a surge in popularity, as March Madness drew more viewers than ever before. The WNBA has also experienced a record-breaking surge in popularity, with Caitlin Clark receiving significant credit for the rise.
Revenue is at an all-time high, viewing figures are off the charts, and game attendance is greater than ever before. However, the future of the league—and sport—is uncertain. The CBA expired at the end of the 2025 season.
Perhaps the ongoing dispute between the WNBA and its players presents an opportune moment to initiate a new project. Details surrounding a proposed rival league are unknown, but James’ agent, Rich Paul, confirmed that the four-time NBA champion is not connected to the project.
James’ Lakers open the 2025-26 NBA season against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Oct. 21.