Marko Pešić Reportedly Linked to New League after LeBron Meeting

A recent high-profile meeting in Saint-Tropez between LeBron James, his business partner Maverick Carter, and prominent European basketball agent Miško Ražnatović has triggered renewed speculation over a potential international basketball league that could reshape the sport’s global landscape.

While initial media reaction focused on NBA free agency rumours, given Ražnatović’s role as the European representative of NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, the wider implications appear to point to a more ambitious project.

According to multiple reports, Carter is advising a pool of investors exploring the launch of a USD5 billion (AUD 7.4 billion) international basketball league featuring six men’s and six women’s teams, with fixtures to be played globally.

Although formal confirmation of the venture remains pending, signs are emerging that this is more than speculative preparation. Industry sources suggest discussions are already underway to bring influential European basketball executives into the fold.

Among the most significant developments is the reported interest in Marko Pešić, the long-serving general manager of FC Bayern Munich Basketball. With Pešić set to leave the club at the end of 2025, his possible involvement would add operational credibility to the nascent league. Pešić is widely recognised for elevating Bayern’s basketball program to EuroLeague status and would bring key European market insights to any international startup competition.

The inclusion of both men’s and women’s teams also reflects growing investor interest in gender equity in global sport, and could attract attention from commercial partners seeking more inclusive, international properties.

From a strategic viewpoint, this dual-gender format is likely intended to differentiate the league from the NBA, while also appealing to a broader base of fans, sponsors, and broadcasters.

Ražnatović’s involvement is particularly notable given his deep ties across European basketball and FIBA structures, which could offer a critical gateway into athlete recruitment and cross-border licensing agreements. If formalised, his participation could also raise questions about player movement, contract structures, and governing body approvals.

The absence of official confirmation means commercial rights holders and governing bodies will likely take a wait-and-see approach. But if credible figures like Carter, Pešić, and Ražnatović are engaged in advanced discussions, the project could soon shift from theoretical to concrete, that could introduce a new dynamic in global basketball economics.

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