LeBron James and Kevin Durant are launching the Futures Basketball League, a new under-18 circuit designed to centralize elite youth basketball talent through team ownership and equity stakes.
The new venture aims to reform youth basketball by bringing together top prospects in a selective 12-team structure, Hypebeast reported. Organizers announced the launch in a press release on Tuesday, setting up a direct challenge to the fragmented grassroots circuits that have long dominated youth sports.
The League Debuts in 2027
The league plans to debut in 2027 with 120 athletes spread across 12 teams. The inaugural season will run over 10 weekends from April to August, featuring high-stakes tournaments broadcast on television and streaming platforms.
That spring and summer window creates a direct scheduling collision with existing youth circuits. James and Durant have historically supported those traditional circuits, meaning the new league will compete for the attention of top prospects during the offseason.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant are teaming up to launch Futures Basketball League, a new elite boys youth basketball league set to debut in April 2027 🔥🔥 The league will compete with Nike’s EYBL and feature Derrick Rose and Paolo Banchero as founding partners and team owners.… pic.twitter.com/bBnK5bU7OF
Ownership and Business Backing
The ownership group features several prominent NBA figures operating through established commercial channels. James directs his investment alongside Maverick Carter via LRMR Ventures, while Durant works with Rich Kleiman through Boardroom Sports Holdings. Paolo Banchero and Derrick Rose also joined the ownership roster.
Beyond the players, the board of directors includes business, media, and technology executives. Gary Vaynerchuk, Ryan Harwood, Ezra Kucharz, and SC Holdings leaders Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic round out the founding partners and team owners.
Players Receive Image-Based Compensation
Players competing in the Futures Basketball League will be eligible for direct image-based compensation in cash or equity in the league itself, subject to administrative approval. Top prospects from the high school graduation classes of 2028 through 2031 are already signing name, image, and likeness contracts.
High school NIL regulations vary by state athletic associations. The league must follow a patchwork of rules, though student-athletes can receive compensation in most states outside of Alabama, Mississippi, Wyoming, and Hawaii.
Athletes Can Participate Alongside Existing Commitments
Organizers positioned the circuit as a complementary platform rather than an exclusive restriction. Athletes can play in the league while remaining active with their high schools, national teams, college recruitment periods, and evaluation camps.
Key details regarding specific team locations, the full competition schedule, initial star players, and additional founding partners remain unannounced. The league said that it will unveil further information in the coming weeks.
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