LeBron James ‘not affiliated’ with global basketball venture Maverick Carter has just left
recently, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James cheated The NBA world thought he was backing down in a “decision” that instead turned out to be an advertisement for Hennessy. James has never been shy about using his star power in search of extra cash, leading some fans to suspect that he may be dating his high school friend Maverick Carter’s involvement with the new Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) basketball league.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that “multiple player agents, current and former league executives and support staff told ESPN they were recruited to join the league ahead of a possible 2026 launch and, in some cases, had to sign NDAs.”
However, he he also added that “James’ representatives, including agent Rich Paul, told ESPN that James himself is not involved in the venture.”
Carter himself also reportedly left the venture.
However, this does not mean that James has no part in the development of Saudi Arabia in the world of sports.
“James has developed a relationship with Saudi Arabian leaders and the PIF over the past few years. In 2023, James held a clinic at Al-Azem Academy in Riyadh as a guest of Saudi Minister of Culture Bader bin Farhan Al Saud,” Windhorst reported. “Last January, James became a team owner in E1, the global electric boat racing circuit launched by PIF. Tom Brady and Rafael Nadal are also linked with teams in E1.”
A big business venture
Basketball is rapidly expanding around the world, so it makes sense that the government of Saudi Arabia would want to get in on the action with American sports figures.
The NBA has already shown a willingness to promote its game in the Middle East, particularly with preseason games in Abu Dhabi.
All in all, it remains to be seen how much James will expand his off-court activities once he retires. However, luckily for Lakers fans, that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon.
2025-10-16 17:28:00
