LeBron James’ business manager, Maverick Carter, stands at the forefront of a concept that could shake up professional basketball.

Carter has been tabbed as an adviser by a group of investors that is looking to raise $5 billion to form an international basketball league, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The report adds that the league “would serve as a rival to the NBA.”

Aside from talks of investment and raising capital, it is reported that the league will consist of 12 teams — six men’s and six women’s — that will travel and play games internationally.

While talks of the new league appear to be in their infancy, getting Carter involved could give the project some real momentum in the sports world. Here is what to know about the reports of the league’s development.

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Who is Maverick Carter?

Carter is a sports-marketing businessman, media personality and James’ business manager.

Like James, Carter is a native of Akron, Ohio. The two share a relationship that dates back to their time as teammates at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. After withdrawing from college, Carter began working as a Nike field representative and has worked closely with James since 2006.

In the media space, he and James co-founded SpringHill Entertainment, a collaborator of Warner Brothers. Among many other media endeavors, Carter has been a host on “The Shop” series, which has aired on HBO and has over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Is LeBron James involved in new international league?

James is not involved in the efforts to develop the new league, per Charania.

It is unclear whether James’ lack of involvement is related to his status as an active NBA player, but it is worth noting that he has long expressed a desire to own an NBA franchise post-retirement.

Maverick Carter net worth

Carter has a net worth of $60 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Like with most celebrities, Carter’s actual net worth is likely harder to nail down. There are other business endeavors and investments that the above figure may not take into account.

LeBron James net worth

As of Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, James’ real-time net worth is $1.2 billion, per Forbes.

James is the first active NBA player to become a billionaire. He crossed the benchmark in the summer of 2022 and has since added to his portfolio, making him one of the most prolific sportspeople in the world.

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