Maverick Carter, Lebron James’ business partner, is advising a group of investors looking to put together an international basketball league. UBS and Evercore are advising on the deal, while early backers include tech executives and a private equity firm with a stake in Carter and James’ media company.

Although Carter, who has served as a producer on more than one of James’ TV and movie projects, is closely tied to the Los Angeles Lakers star, sources told ESPN that James is not involved

One way this could rival the NBA at some point is the possibility for players to get equity in the league, allowing them to make even more money. It's similar to what WNBA players have just created with the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league,