![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200818093906/carmelo-anthony.jpeg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200818093906/carmelo-anthony.jpeg?width=600)
Carmelo Anthony always wanted to own an NBA team. “Now! I want it now!” he said when questioned about it. Now, he is an investor in the revolutionary women’s ‘Unrivaled’ league, as announced by the league on May 30. It was co-founded by basketball icons, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Well, Melo just went a step further and seems to be gaining experience overseas before ultimately thinking about owning a team in the NBA! What is he up to?
The National Basketball League (NBL), the premier men’s professional basketball league in Australia and New Zealand, had a press release. It read, “NBA legend Carmelo Anthony as Global Ambassador of its innovative Next Stars program. This appointment also includes Anthony joining the ownership group of a future NBL expansion team.”
The NBL currently has 10 teams, and Anthony will be the owner of an expansion team. As per the information available, the location of the expansion team is not yet decided. However, the former NBA player will have one more role in this overseas league. He will also be the global ambassador for their Next Stars program. But what is that?
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It is a one-year program and will help the league scout for new players. So far, it helped them discover names like LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and Alex Sarr, who is projected to be a Top 3 selection in the upcoming NBA draft. Kenny Smith was announced as the Head of Next Stars Player Initiatives in North America. But what does Carmelo Anthony have to say about this project?
“In joining the NBL, I’m excited for the opportunity to not just elevate basketball in Australia but to impact the global landscape of the sport…I look forward to working with the League to help play a role in shaping the future of basketball worldwide,” the 10X NBA All-Star shared. The former Lakers star with a net worth of $160M is on the rise and not just for individual interests.
NBA legend Carmelo Anthony has joined ownership of an expansion team in Australia's NBL 👏
Eight players have been drafted out of the NBL's Next Stars program, including LaMelo Ball. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/BpLKLEHRVX
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 4, 2024
However, Melo isn’t the only NBA personality to invest in an NBL team. The list is long, and it includes Khris Middleton, John Wall, Kevin Martin, Shawn Marion, Andrew Bogut, Al Harrington, and Zach Randolph.
The league and the program are staunch on nurturing talent and cultivating elite players; a notion well suited for Carmelo Antony, who is happy to help the next generation. His recent investment in ‘Unrivaled’ is one good example.
Carmelo Anthony is tackling the WNBA pay disparity!
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.