NBA rival emerges? New league plans to lure players with high salaries + equity stakes, James' associate involved

On March 25 Beijing time, according to The Athletic,a new global basketball league named "Project B" is planning to lure NBA players with high salaries plus league equity stakes. The league's schedule runs from November to April, completely overlapping with the NBA season, meaning players must choose between the NBA and Project B.

According to reports,James' business partner Maverick Carter will serve as a board member of this league.

Project B co-founder Grady Burnett revealed that this new league plans to launch next fall, aiming to "extend the careers of established players," and will once again collaborate with James' longtime friend and business partner Maverick Carter. Burnett stated that Carter, 44, oversees the daily operations of James' various ventures, served as a consultant for Project B until this fall, and has now rejoined the team as an advisor and board member. Carter's spokesperson said Carter is merely Burnett's friend and advisor and does not hold a formal position in the new league. Carter himself has not commented on the matter.

When asked whether Project B would attempt to sign current NBA players and thus directly compete for talent, Burnett did not shy away from the idea. The women's division has already attracted top WNBA stars with high salaries plus league equity stakes, and its schedule is staggered from the WNBA, similar to the previous Unrivaled league model. However, the men's league schedule will completely overlap with the NBA season, meaning if NBA players are invited to join, they must choose one.

Burnett said Project B has not yet discussed joining with the 41-year-old James. The Lakers star will become a free agent after this season, his future in the NBA remains uncertain, and he has not revealed his plans after his NBA career ends or his retirement timeline. Just last week, James stated he no longer pursues nor intends to own an NBA team, which was once his long-term goal.

"We haven't had those conversations yet," Burnett said, "As I mentioned, we are currently focused on building the foundation and will engage with the right players at the right time in the future."

The league also plans to sign a large number of young players and has collaborated with Raznatovic to develop related plans. They aim to attract the best young players outside the NBA, establish development programs for them, while also allowing these players to participate in league games and compete against other European clubs.