PHOENIX — Investors who once planned to create a $5 billion league to rival the NBA are now shifting their focus to women’s basketball, drawing attention to what the move could mean for the WNBA’s future, including the Phoenix Mercury’s.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Maverick Carter and investors have pulled out of the $5B project explored to create a rival league to the NBA, per @WindhorstESPN.
They are now focused on creating a league to rival the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/vvmmtjLbVl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 18, 2025
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Maverick Carter, best known as LeBron James’ business partner, served as an adviser for the previous project before pulling out. He has since shifted his focus to women’s basketball.
While there is no certainty about when the league will begin or how it will operate, it would be one of several formed in recent years to compete with the WNBA. Leagues such as Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited have begun to flourish, but there is no women’s basketball league that directly competes with the WNBA during its regular season.
Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; The Phoenix Mercury huddle prior to the start of the fourth quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
The pivot could reshape the business landscape of the league, affecting all teams, including the Mercury. As one of the WNBA’s most established franchises, Phoenix could use the opportunity to draw more attention to its brand, but it also risks losing valuable players to competing leagues.
With the WNBA’s CBA set to expire later this month and little known about how negotiations are progressing, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that a new league could negatively affect the WNBA, especially if higher salaries are involved.
Aug 8, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the scoreboard and the WNBA logo as an announcement is made about throwing any toys or objects on to the court during the first half of the game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
In the wake of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s recent dispute with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, questions remain about the league’s stability and whether there will be a 2026 season.
The Mercury have done their part to support players, upgrading training facilities and providing additional care. However, the team and the WNBA as a whole may need to do more to keep new competition out.
The proposed league comes after a record year for the WNBA, with record-breaking viewership during the regular season and playoffs. Viewership is at an all-time high, and with new expansion teams set to debut in the coming seasons, it’s easy to see why investors are interested in women’s basketball.
Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Wilson basketball is seen next to the WNBA logo before a game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The 2025 WNBA playoffs were the most-viewed on ESPN networks ever, averaging 1.2 million viewers across 24 games. The Finals between the Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces averaged 1.5 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched WNBA Finals on ESPN.
Challenging established organizations is a risky venture, but it could prove to be a turning point for women’s basketball as a whole.
Major money is moving toward women’s basketball. For the WNBA and the Mercury, the next steps could determine whether they adapt to the change or risk losing the momentum they’ve accumulated this past season.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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