LeBron James and Nikola Jokic’s Agent Discuss Potential New League
LeBron James and his business partner, Maverick Carter, met with Nikola Jokic’s agent, Miško Ražnatović, last month, stirring speculation about the formation of a new basketball league. The meeting took place in July 2023 on a boat, where they discussed ambitious plans to establish a league that would challenge the dominance of the NBA.
During an interview on the 6.75range podcast, Ražnatović clarified the purpose of their gathering. He stated, “They are planning, a certain group of investors, classic business, to create a new league that would somehow also compete with the NBA. They don’t want it to be a U.S. league; they want it to have a European flavor, so to speak.” He went on to explain that he was brought into the discussions as a consultant after conversations with Carter.
The idea of a new basketball league is not without precedent, as there have been previous attempts to create competition for the NBA. The XFL, for example, has tried to carve out a niche for itself alongside the NFL, but has struggled to gain significant traction. While the ambitions of James, Carter, and Ražnatović are noteworthy, establishing a league that can contend with the rich history and established fan base of the NBA presents considerable challenges.
Despite these challenges, the trio’s experience and network might allow them to create a league that could attract players and fans alike. As of now, the basketball landscape is dominated by the NBA, alongside the Euroleague and BIG3 during the offseason. The success of any new league would depend on its ability to differentiate itself and capture the interest of basketball enthusiasts globally.
With the meeting having sparked significant interest, many are left wondering how these discussions will unfold and whether a new league can truly compete at a high level. The outcome remains uncertain, but the ambition of James and his associates is clear. As they navigate the complexities of establishing a new league, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this proposal develops.
