Investors Pitch New International Basketball League with Equity for Players

In an effort to rival the NBA, a group of investors led by Maverick Carter, business partner of LeBron James, is seeking to raise $5 billion to form a new international basketball league. The proposed league aims to offer players an equity stake, a unique approach to player compensation that could attract top talent and foster a sense of ownership among players.

The new league plans to consist of both men's and women's teams, with games played in eight cities around the world, following a model similar to Formula 1. The league will comprise six men's and six women's teams, spending two weeks in each city. Singapore is one of the markets where games will take place, with the other seven markets yet to be determined.

Offering players equity in the league is a departure from traditional player compensation structures, which typically involve salaries and bonuses. By providing players with a direct financial interest in the league's success, the new league aims to incentivize players to be more engaged and committed to the league's growth. This approach could also empower players by giving them a voice in the league's decision-making processes and fostering a more collaborative relationship between players and owners.

The group behind the new league is working with UBS and Evercore to help raise the money, which is expected to come from a mix of sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and wealthy individuals. The investors aim to raise $5 billion for the league, which could serve as a rival to the NBA if it can offer big-money deals to players, similar to how LIV Golf lured away PGA Tour players.

Maverick Carter, LeBron James' longtime friend and business partner, is advising the group that includes investment firm SC Holdings' Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic, Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, and former Facebook executive Grady Burnett. Carter's experience in the sports industry, marketing and branding expertise, investment and financial acumen, global perspective, and player relations can be invaluable in building a successful and sustainable league.

The new international basketball league faces several challenges, including attracting top talent, securing lucrative sponsorship deals and media rights agreements, and establishing a strong brand identity. However, with the growing global appeal of basketball, the potential for high returns on investment, and the unique equity model for players, the new league has the potential to become a formidable rival to the NBA.

In conclusion, the proposed new international basketball league, with its innovative equity model for players and experienced advisors, has the potential to become a significant player in the global basketball landscape. As the league continues to develop, it will be crucial to monitor its progress and assess the impact of its unique approach to player compensation and international expansion.