Reports hint at post-career play for James as Saudi-backed league takes shape across the Atlantic
LeBron James might be suiting up for one last season with the Lakers, but his next game may not be on the hardwood—it might be in the boardroom. And this time, it’s not the NBA he’s playing for.
Multiple reports suggest the 39-year-old superstar is quietly backing plans for a brand-new European basketball league—one that could directly challenge the NBA’s international ambitions. The kicker? He may not be alone. Saudi investment money is reportedly flowing into the project, with sources claiming James and longtime business partner Maverick Carter are among the key figures involved.
More Than Just a Side Hustle
For years, James has been laying bricks beyond the paint—production companies, equity deals, part ownership of a baseball team. But this feels different.
According to insiders cited by Sports Business Journal, the proposed European league would start with 12 teams—six men’s and six women’s—and feature star talent recruited from across Europe, the U.S., and Africa. It’s early days, but the format is rumored to mirror the kind of glitz and control athletes now crave: short seasons, higher pay, global visibility, and equity stakes for founding players.
There’s no logo yet, no league office address, no TV rights deal inked. But still, something’s brewing.
James hasn’t commented directly. But his social media posts—cryptic training montages, quiet nods to “legacy work”—are feeding the buzz.
Saudis Widen Their Sports Portfolio
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), now one of the most aggressive players in global sports, appears to be circling basketball next.
They’ve already rocked golf by bankrolling LIV Golf. Then they waded into soccer with big-money signings in the Saudi Pro League. Formula 1, boxing, and tennis have followed.
A senior executive familiar with Saudi PIF’s ongoing diversification said, “They want global attention, and basketball has the audience, especially with stars like LeBron in the room.”
There’s money, and then there’s Saudi money. The kind that can throw $500 million at an idea just to see if it sticks. And that’s before naming rights, media packages, or crypto partnerships come into play.
Why Europe? And Why Now?
The NBA already has its sights set on Europe. Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed back in June that the league was evaluating ways to launch a European division under its official umbrella. But progress has been slow.
Enter the void.
Europe is ripe ground:
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Talent-rich countries like France, Serbia, and Spain
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Big TV markets in Germany, the UK, and Italy
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A growing appetite for pro sports alternatives post-football season
What this new league might offer—if James and the Saudis get their way—is a new model of ownership where players aren’t just participants; they’re partners.
One agent, speaking anonymously, said, “This could be the first league that players actually own. And it could change everything.”
Timing Is Everything—and LeBron’s Clock Is Ticking
James is heading into his 23rd season. He’s already picked up his $52 million player option with the Lakers. But it’s widely believed that this could be his final year.
The recent extension of Luka Dončić, locking him into a $165 million deal through 2028, sent signals about the Lakers’ future. James might not be in those plans long-term.
Lakers executive Rob Pelinka has said he hopes LeBron retires in purple and gold. But he also admitted that all discussions with Rich Paul, James’ agent and friend, are “positive and supportive”—polite language, but tellingly neutral.
So if he steps off the court, what next?
This league could be it. Not just a retirement project—but a defining legacy move.
Skeptics Are Watching, and the NBA Is Listening
Not everyone’s buying in just yet. Some in the NBA inner circle are quietly furious.
The idea that the league’s biggest star might help launch a rival—on another continent, with foreign capital—has raised eyebrows. And alarms.
“There are clauses, there are partnerships, there are reputational risks,” said a former NBA executive. “If this league materializes, the NBA will react.”
But react how?
There’s precedent. The NBA blackballed players from unauthorized leagues in the ‘70s. But doing that to LeBron James in 2025? That’s a different animal.
Here’s what’s on the NBA’s radar:
| Issue | NBA’s Concern |
|---|---|
| Player Poaching | Losing rising stars before draft |
| TV Rights Conflict | Shared markets in Europe/Asia |
| Branding Dilution | Confusion over “official” NBA partners |
| Labor Movement Impacts | Players may demand equity or new formats |
A Future Written in Euros?
It’s still a big if. No launch date. No confirmed rosters. And no press conference yet. But the outlines are forming.
And if James wants this to happen, there’s little doubt he can move mountains—or at least, billion-dollar investors.
The NBA has long had global dreams. But maybe it’s not the only game in town anymore.
