A new international basketball league could be launched in the near future after it emerged that a meeting between NBA legend LeBron James and his business partner took place regarding the ambitious venture.

Talk of a revolutionary $5 billion basketball league that could rival the NBA has been rekindled in recent days.

Last week, a meeting in France between James, his business partner, Maverick Carter, and Misko Raznatovic – who is the agent for Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic – took place regarding the international basketball league, according to Front Office Sports.

As per widespread reports, the league’s plan is to have a touring model with six men’s and six women’s teams playing in eight cities around the world, with comparisons of a schedule similar to Formula One and LIV Golf.

It is said the teams would stay in one location for several days or longer and compete in multiple games but controversially, the league could overlap with the NBA calendar.

LeBron James at the 2025 NBA Summer League game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Image credit: Getty

In fact, the new league has been tipped to start in the fall of 2026, which is when NBA stars such as James would be free agents.

As reports emerge that suggest LeBron could launch a rival to the NBA – a decision that would certainly harm the NBA if plans go through – the LA Lakers star's reputation within the organisation could be damaged as a result.

The 40-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA players of all time alongside Michael Jordan.

NBA players held anonymous vote to decide the GOAT

An anonymous vote involving NBA players gave a fascinating insight into the greatest of all time debate which tends to involve Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Back in 2023, a study was carried out by The Athletic involving 108 NBA players that included an anonymous player poll asking who the greatest player ever to play in the competition was.

With an incredible 58.3 per cent backing him, Michael Jordan came out on top, putting him comfortably ahead of LeBron James, who finished second in the poll.

Speaking on Jordan, one player said: “M.J., for sure. Definitely 6-for-6 [in the Finals] is a big thing for me. But the way I look at basketball is [it’s] about the winning, and if I feel like I need [somebody] to go win me a game, I’m picking M.J. over everybody.

“[I’d pick] whoever is going to carry me through a series, carry me through the playoffs, and is setting the tone. I think M.J. checks all those boxes.”

James, meanwhile, secured just 33 per cent of the vote while third-place Bryant collected 6.8 per cent.

Explaining why he opted for James over either Jordan or Bryant, one player simply said: “I grew up in the 2000s.”

Perhaps surprisingly, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was not selected by even one of the NBA players polled, with Tracy McGrady and Bill Russell the only other players who received mentions in the study.