BREAKING NEWS: Former Indiana Pacers head coach Isiah Thomas, Now Saginaw Soul of the Basketball Super League (BSL), sent a stunning message to Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle concerning….see more

In a shocking development that’s reverberating throughout the basketball world, former Indiana Pacers head coach and NBA legend Isiah Thomas, now the head coach and minority owner of the Saginaw Soul in the rapidly growing Basketball Super League (BSL), has sent a bold and unexpected message to current Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle — and the NBA community is buzzing.

In a candid statement released through the Saginaw Soul’s official social media channels and confirmed by Thomas in a follow-up press conference, the Hall of Famer addressed Carlisle directly:

“Rick, the game is changing — and the league’s future is no longer tied to the NBA alone. What we’re building in the BSL isn’t just a rival; it’s the next evolution of professional basketball. Keep your eyes open.”

The statement was accompanied by a video clip featuring Thomas passionately addressing his young Saginaw Soul squad, challenging the traditional NBA model and praising the BSL for its emphasis on player development, community ownership, and fan engagement.

A New Era?

Thomas’s comments come at a time when the Basketball Super League, a high-profile startup league with teams across underserved U.S. cities, has been making headlines for attracting former NBA talent, investing in grassroots basketball, and launching partnerships with tech companies to reinvent the fan experience.

The Saginaw Soul, based in Thomas’s hometown, have quickly become a flagship franchise in the BSL, boasting top-tier facilities and a rising roster of talent that includes former NCAA stars and international pros.

Carlisle’s Response?

While Rick Carlisle has not yet publicly responded to Thomas’s message, sources close to the Pacers organization have confirmed that the statement “did not go unnoticed.” The Pacers, fresh off a promising playoff run, have been one of the NBA’s most stable franchises under Carlisle’s leadership.

Still, the bold tone of Thomas’s message — suggesting a coming disruption to the NBA’s dominance — has stirred reactions across the league.

Industry Buzz

Sports analysts are divided on the impact of Thomas’s comments. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst called the message “a direct challenge to the NBA establishment,” while TNT’s Charles Barkley weighed in with his trademark humor:

“Isiah’s out there lighting fires again — and you know what? I love it.”

Meanwhile, social media lit up with speculation: Could the BSL actually threaten the NBA’s talent pipeline? Will more former players follow Thomas’s lead into coaching or ownership roles in the new league?

What’s Next?

Isiah Thomas has hinted that more announcements are coming — including a possible international expansion for the BSL and a groundbreaking youth development initiative. As he told reporters, “This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about building something better, from the ground up.”

One thing is clear: Isiah Thomas is not just talking. He’s building — and the basketball world is paying attention.