The news about Maverick Carter raising $5 billion for an international league has opened up several conversations. His connection with LeBron James suggested the celebrated NBA icon could potentially sway away from his dream and join his business partner. However, thus far, it seems the idea is just in its planning stages. Coming up with such kind of money is an arduous task. But what if another James connection could open up a large cash pool?

While on ESPN’s First Take, Brian Windhorst spoke about the advent of the news. With the NBA’s lucrative $76 billion media deal, the analyst isn’t convinced that a league in the near future could rival the NBA. But as far as setting it up goes, he feels the Middle East, where both Stephen Curry and LeBron James have spent time could open up an opportunity.

“There is a truth that there is money out there in the world that wants to invest in basketball that is struggling to find a place for it. Specifically the Sovereign Wealth Fund money in the Middle East. The NBA is limiting that. LeBron has spent time over there. Steph has spent time over there. That’s a bigger conversation and that’s probably where this is going,” Windhorst noted.

The fund in question is among the “three of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world” worth a whopping $1 trillion. Additionally, PGA Golf also recently merged with the Saudi-powered LIV Golf. Hence, their dedication to a sporting shift is ever present at this time.

The Akron Hammer visited Saudi Arabia last year as a part of the country’s initiative to increase sports tourism. He was invited to the Diriyah Company to view their plans for the Diriyah Gate, a sports hub in the making. In addition, Curry traveled to Dubai for training purposes, videos of which went viral.

Aside from LeBron James and Curry, Middle East’s love for basketball also reached the NBA during the preseason. The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets played preseason games in the UAE, fueled by “His Excellency” Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. Hence, as far as influence, there are indicators of the Middle East possibly being part of Carter’s plans.

But with LeBron James dreaming about an NBA franchise, why would be willing to use his influence? Well, Windhorst answered that burning question too.

Why LeBron James could opt for a different path

Even though still in the league, the 40-year-old forward has made sure his future plans are known. Whenever he has had an opportunity, he has hinted at Silver for getting to the NBA expansion soon. Notably, his eyes are set on a Las Vegas franchise. With the legacy James has within the NBA, moreover, he also has a myriad of resources to raise the rumored $6 billion needed.

But what if the opportunity isn’t in the near future?

From his knowledge, Brian Windhorst has a feeling an expansion is not on Silver’s list of priorities. “I’m not even 100% sure there’s going to be an expansion team in Las Vegas. The NBA is in no hurry with that. They are focusing more believe it or not on European expansion. Adam Silver is spending time right now not talking about putting a team in Las Vegas and Seattle but about putting a team in London and Paris and Berlin,” he said on First Take.

Recently, the NBA commissioner spoke about those plans with Shaquille O’Neal on his podcast. He did indicate there is greater importance placed on international plans. So, the NBA could definitely opt for that first. The delay which could extend years could genuinely lead to LeBron James switching his plans and joining in on the venture with his close friend Maverick Carter.