LeBron James and Jokic’s agent fuel talk of a Europe-based rival league to the NBA
When LeBron James was seen in conversation with Misko Raznatovic, the agent for Nikola Jokic, it quickly drew the attention of basketball fans and analysts alike. The lingering question: was the Lakers superstar weighing another path toward assembling a super-team, or doing something more expansive in the global basketball landscape?
Raznatovic, speaking on a Serbian radio program, clarified what the meetings with James were about. He said James and a group of investors are reportedly planning a new league that would compete with the NBA. The key distinction, Raznatovic noted, is that the plan is not for a U.S.-based competition but one with a distinctly European flavor. He added that, as the project took shape, his name was brought in for official involvement, with Maverick Carter and others discussing the concept over time. Raznatovic recounted a lunch on a boat where the plan was laid out and where James would also be in attendance.
Raznatovic also highlighted his role as a longtime representative for European talents, including Jokic’s circle of players such as Ivica Zubac, Goga Bitadze, Nikola Jovic, and Nikola Topic. Given the high-profile nature of conversations involving Jokic’s agent and James, it’s natural that speculation would follow, especially given James’s history of pursuing ventures that extend beyond his playing career.
A rival league anchored in Europe would face significant hurdles beyond mere ambition. It would need to secure broadcasting rights, secure top-tier talent, and navigate competing structures with the EuroLeague, which already dominates European professional basketball. Any such venture would also hinge on compelling incentives for players, teams, sponsors, and broadcasters to participate on a global stage that currently revolves around the NBA and established regional leagues. LeBron’s extensive media and business footprint could help propel these talks, but there is no official confirmation from the NBA or its partners about any concrete plans.
What this developing story underscores is the growing interest in cross-border basketball projects and the changing economics of the sport. If legitimate, the discussions point to a broader push to expand basketball’s footprint—potentially altering how leagues are formed, marketed, and consumed around the world. While ambitious, the idea would require widespread collaboration, strategic financing, and regulatory clarity to move from rumor to reality.
In the meantime, fans should treat these comments as exploratory rather than definitive. The notion of a Europe-based league competing with the NBA is provocative, but any concrete progress would depend on a complex constellation of investors, rights deals, and global basketball governance aligning in favor of such a bold venture.
Summary: The conversation between LeBron James and Jokic’s agent about a Europe-focused rival league to the NBA has sparked intrigue, with Raznatovic presenting it as a planned, investor-driven project that would emphasize a European flavor. While provocative and potentially transformative, the idea remains unconfirmed and faces substantial logistical and regulatory challenges before it could become a reality. If pursued, it would mark a significant shift in the professional basketball landscape and could accelerate global growth for the sport.
Additional note: This story highlights LeBron’s continued influence beyond his playing days and his interest in shaping basketball’s future. Readers should watch for official statements or confirmations from involved parties or leagues to gauge whether this is a serious, actionable plan or a strategic talking point in a broader discussion about basketball’s international expansion.