Miodrag “Misko” Raznatovic, Chairman and CEO, has initiated discussions with LeBron James and Maverick Carter... respected figures in global sports and business... about launching a European International Basketball League. The idea is bold, timely, and far-reaching. But why stop there? A European International Football League (not to be confused with American soccer) should also be on the table. The moment is ripe for a broader movement... one that redefines opportunity and reclaims dignity.
At the heart of this initiative lies a deep frustration with the American system, particularly its treatment of Black and Brown talent. The United States, fractured and far from “united,” capitalizes on the brilliance and labor of its athletes while offering little in return beyond exploitation, disrespect, and systemic neglect. Through excessive taxation and cultural disregard, it continues to profit from communities it refuses to nurture or protect. In the realm of sports and beyond, this imbalance is glaring... and unacceptable.
History makes the case painfully clear. Every time Black Americans have built thriving, self-sustaining communities (economic, cultural, or athletic) they’ve been met with resistance, sabotage, or outright destruction. From Tulsa to Harlem to countless untold stories across the nation, the Military Industrial Complex and political institutions have shown a pattern: Black excellence is celebrated when it entertains, but suppressed when it empowers. The contradiction is impossible to ignore.
We’ve now witnessed that same sabotage infect the sports world again with the blatant collusion by NFL owners to derail the future of Shedeur Sanders... arguably the most electrifying and NFL-ready college quarterback entering the 2025 draft. Despite his pedigree, stats, leadership, and marketability, Sanders was mysteriously dropped to the fifth round, a move so transparent in its intent it insults the intelligence of anyone paying attention. This wasn’t about talent evaluation... it was a message. A warning. And it only strengthens the argument that new arenas must be built, where power and possibility are not gatekept by systems threatened by Black autonomy.
This is why the idea of taking our talent overseas is more than symbolic... it’s strategic. When LeBron left Cleveland for Miami, it wasn't just a career move; it was a declaration of autonomy. Now, that spirit must become collective. We must embrace the global stage not only to elevate our worth but to escape systems that diminish it. This goes far beyond basketball. It’s about reclaiming power, agency, and dignity in all sectors... business, art, science, and sport.
Enough is enough. If America continues to treat Black lives and Black talent as disposable, then we must become unapologetically mobile, visionary, and self-directed. We must build institutions that honor our contributions and reflect our value. The time has come to think globally, act strategically, and move where our greatness is celebrated... not merely consumed.
No comments:
Post a Comment