LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose Among Investors in New Elite HS Basketball League

LeBron James and Kevin Durant are backing a new youth boys' basketball league expected to feature some of the sport's top prospects.

The two stars have joined the Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero and Chicago Bulls icon Derrick Rose among investors in the Futures Basketball League (FBL), according to a Tuesday press release.

The FBL is set to feature 120 under-18 athletes across 12 teams during its inaugural 10-weekend season from April to August 2027.

Weekend tournaments will be "streamed or distributed on national television," according to FBL.

James is involved in this new venture alongside Maverick Carter through their investment firm LRMR Ventures, while Durant is associated with Rich Kleiman through Boardroom Sports Holdings.

The FBL said in its statement the league plans to provide a development path and NIL opportunities for players who were previously "spread across hundreds of teams and fragmented events."

The league stated players would be able to compete in FBL while still playing for high schools and participating in USA Basketball events, NCAA live periods or NBPA Top 100 Camp.

The FBL schedule potentially conflicts with the 2027 slate for the Nike EYBL, with which both James and Durant have been previously involved.

Youth players in FBL will be able to receive NIL compensation through cash or through equity in the league, although the FBL noted the equity proposal is "subject to administrative approvals."

High school NIL regulations are currently administrated by state athletic associations. Most states outside of Wyoming, Alabama, Mississippi and Hawaii allow active high school athletes to receive some form of NIL compensation, per the IMG Academy.

According to the FBL, prospects from the 2028 through 2031 classes have already started signing NIL contracts.

Some of these players will be announced in the upcoming weeks alongside other information including the FBL competition schedule, locations of team markets and more founding partners, according to the league.