The American playmaker Mike James has confirmed that he will leave AS Monaco at the end of the 2025-2026 season. In an interview with L’Équipe, the player stated he is a “free agent,” while the Roca Team remains engaged in a still uncertain end to the European campaign.
The announcement comes at a particular moment. Monaco is playing a decisive Euroleague play-in game against FC Barcelona tonight, with qualification for the playoffs against Olympiakos at stake. In this context, Mike James has chosen to clarify his future.
When asked about a possible extension, the playmaker responded bluntly: “No. They also say Elvis is still alive” (laughs). “It’s not true either. I am a free agent. I haven’t signed anywhere, nor have I talked to anyone. I’m just focused on finishing the season.”
The response puts an end to rumors suggesting a contract until 2027. The player confirms an upcoming departure. No club is mentioned. No discussions are underway, according to his statements. The focus remains on the end of the season.
Speculation suggests several destinations in Europe or elsewhere. Mike James does not confirm any possibilities. The immediate objective remains the ongoing competition. A loss to FC Barcelona would end the European journey and mark his last continental appearance in the Monaco jersey.
A remarkable journey between performance and tensions
Arriving in 2021, Mike James, the American playmaker (1.85 m, born August 18, 1990), quickly established himself as a central figure in the Monaco project. His career includes several stages in Europe and the NBA, with stints in Baskonia, Panathinaikos, Milan, and CSKA Moscow, as well as experiences with the Phoenix Suns and in New Orleans.
With Monaco, the player has accompanied a rapid progression on the European scene. Two Final Four participations are recorded. A third place was achieved in 2023. An Euroleague final was contested in 2025, with a defeat against Fenerbahçe (70-81). Individually, Mike James became the top scorer in the history of the competition and earned the MVP title in 2024.
The record in the Principality also includes national titles. Monaco won the French Cup and the championship in 2023, then retained the French championship title in 2024.
The 2025-2026 season confirms consistent production in terms of statistics. In Betclic Elite, averages reach 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. In the Euroleague, the statistical tally shows 585 points, 119 rebounds, and 226 assists.
However, this journey also includes a more troubled episode. In June 2025, Mike James was suspended by the club due to a “violation of the club’s internal regulations.” This decision came just before the Betclic Elite playoffs. The absence of the playmaker weighed on the team’s balance.
Monaco nevertheless reached the final against Paris Basketball. The series turned in favor of the Parisian club, with a score of 2-0. A third match was scheduled for June 20 to avoid elimination. Mike James’ absence fueled questions around managing this situation.
Details emerged a few days after the suspension. The Attorney General of Monaco stated to Monaco-Matin: “Mike James was not taken into custody. The Public Security intervened for a dispute between individuals who appeared intoxicated, but no procedure was initiated, and there was no opening of an investigation or judicial proceedings.”
This episode had no legal consequence but left a mark on the relationship between the player and the club.
An objective remains pending. The European title is still missing from his record. Approaching the age of 36, Mike James pursues this ambition. The end of the season offers him one last opportunity in Monaco colors, contingent on a success tonight.
