LeBron James’ Manager Maverick Carter Backing New $5 Billion League to Rival NBA
LeBron James’ business manager, Maverick Carter, is playing a key role in a groundbreaking initiative that could challenge the dominance of the NBA. Carter has been named an adviser to a group of investors aiming to create an international basketball league with an ambitious $5 billion investment goal, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania. The league would consist of 12 teams—six men’s teams and six women’s teams—and would travel internationally to compete, offering a fresh, global competition that could rival the NBA.
While the concept of this new league is still in its early stages, having Maverick Carter on board could provide a significant boost to the project, given his deep connections in the sports world and his business acumen. Here’s everything you need to know about the proposed league and Maverick Carter’s role in its development.
Who is Maverick Carter?
Maverick Carter is a prominent sports-marketing entrepreneur and media personality. He is best known for being LeBron James’ business manager and one of his closest collaborators. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, Carter and James have known each other since their high school days at St. Vincent-St. Mary, where they were teammates. Their long standing relationship has grown over the years, with Carter taking on a central role in managing James’ off-court ventures.
After leaving college, Carter worked as a Nike field representative before taking on more significant roles in sports management. He co-founded SpringHill Entertainment with James, a media company that has worked closely with Warner Brothers on various projects. Additionally, Carter has hosted “The Shop,” a popular HBO series with a significant following on YouTube. His business expertise and media presence make him a key figure in shaping the landscape of sports and entertainment.
Is LeBron James Involved in the New International League?
Although Maverick Carter is advising the group behind the new league, LeBron James himself is not directly involved in the development of this international basketball venture, as confirmed by Charania’s report. It is unclear if James’ decision to stay out of the project is related to his current role as an active NBA player or if he has other plans for his future in basketball. Notably, James has expressed a long-term interest in owning an NBA franchise once he retires, which may be a factor in his non-involvement with the new league.
While James is not part of the league’s creation, his business manager’s involvement suggests that the league has the potential to gain traction in the sports industry, especially with a leader like Carter at the helm. James’ influence in the sports world, combined with Carter’s business acumen, could provide a significant advantage to the league’s success.
The Proposed International Basketball League
The new basketball league aims to provide a global platform for basketball, with the goal of offering international competition that could rival the NBA’s dominance. The league is reportedly targeting a $5 billion investment goal to bring the idea to fruition, with the support of several high-profile investors.
The league’s structure will include 12 teams—six men’s and six women’s teams—that will travel and compete across international cities. This structure sets the league apart from the NBA, which is primarily a domestic competition. The ability to draw teams and fans from around the world could open up new opportunities for the sport, especially in untapped markets where basketball has the potential to grow in popularity.
Although details are still emerging, the involvement of high-profile figures like Carter and the large-scale investment plans suggest that the league could be a formidable competitor to the NBA in the future.
Maverick Carter’s Net Worth
Maverick Carter’s business success has translated into significant wealth, with Celebrity Net Worth estimating his net worth at $60 million. This figure likely reflects his various business ventures and investments, though the true scope of his financial portfolio may not be fully captured in the estimate.
As a key figure in LeBron James’ off-court endeavors, Carter has helped guide James’ investments in a wide range of industries, including entertainment, sports, and fashion. His work with SpringHill Entertainment and other projects has positioned him as one of the most influential figures in sports business.
LeBron James’ Net Worth
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has not only achieved success on the court but has also amassed a significant fortune off it. As of January 16, 2025, James’ real-time net worth is an impressive $1.2 billion, making him the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status. James achieved this milestone in the summer of 2022 and has continued to grow his wealth through various business ventures, including investments in media, real estate, and technology.
James’ financial success extends far beyond his basketball career. His investments and brand partnerships, including lucrative deals with companies like Nike, have solidified his position as one of the most prolific sports figures in the world. His ability to balance his on-court career with business ventures has set him apart from other athletes and paved the way for future generations of sports entrepreneurs.
Maverick Carter’s involvement in the creation of an international basketball league highlights the growing interest in expanding the global reach of professional sports. While LeBron James is not directly involved in the new league, Carter’s expertise and business savvy could give the project the momentum it needs to challenge the NBA. With a $5 billion investment goal and a focus on international competition, the league has the potential to transform the landscape of professional basketball. As the project develops, it will be interesting to see how it competes with the NBA and what impact it may have on the future of the sport.
