Will James Compete With NBA for Rival European Pro League, Backed by the Saudis?
LeBron James is concentrating on getting ready for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he will play for the 23rd time. The $52 million player option for the upcoming season, which is the final year of his contract, has already been selected by the four-time NBA MVP.
Rival Euro Pro League
Before the Lakers revealed that Luka Dončić had signed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension, James said on Instagram four days ago that he was ready to step up his training for the upcoming season.
Rob Pelinka, the president of basketball operations for the Lakers, stated over the weekend that every conversation with James' agent, Rich Paul, has been "positive and supportive" and that "it would be great" if James retired as a Laker.
However, if today's reports are to be believed, James also seems to be more concerned with life after his playing career finishes.
Support from Saudi Investment Funds
According to the Sports Business Journal, NBA executives think James and his business partner Maverick Carter are two of the main players behind the scenes helping to finance a new European pro basketball league that would presumably compete with the league the NBA is trying to establish.
The Saudi Investment Fund, the same organization that supported LIV Golf, a rival to the PGA that has enticed many of the biggest stars in golf with multi-million dollar contracts, would support the new league.
James has already expressed his desire to buy an NBA team. However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated in July that there is no set timetable for expansion and that nothing has been decided.
James is coming back for the 23rd season
NBA Europe franchise costs are probably going to be more than $500 million, according to the Sports Business Journal article. The report also stated that the new NBA Europe professional league is not expected to begin for another two or three years, but that might change if the Saudi-backed league in which James is involved gains traction.
According to reports, six men's and six women's teams would compete in that league in various places throughout the world.
"You may think I'm crazy, but I think the catalyst of this [NBA Europe] going quicker is they're worried LeBron and Maverick are going to get the Saudis and start like a league," an NBA team executive was quoted as saying. Without a doubt, I believe that the NBA views it as direct competition.
"LeBron doesn’t give a sh**. Not if Saudi gives LeBron $200 million in cash and calls it a night.”