Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) president Gianni Petrucci gave a wide-ranging interview to Andrea Sorrentino of The Messenger. Below are some key excerpts.
On NBA Europe
“It’s basically a done deal. I would even say it’s official. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said it months ago, and FIBA executives confirmed it to me just the other day. It will be a 16-team league, with some permanent members and others qualifying based on sporting merit. Participation in domestic leagues will be mandatory, and players will be available for national teams. All the major European capitals will be involved — including Rome in Italy, alongside Milan.”
On the Teams Involved
“This Europe-wide project confirms the importance of our sport. Starting with major football clubs: Manchester, London, Paris — with PSG having already confirmed its interest — Monaco with Bayern, Istanbul, Athens, Madrid and possibly Barcelona will all be involved.”
On Milan and Rome
“Rome and Milan are certainly the only two Italian cities included in the project. I’m also aware that many things have been moving in Milan for quite some time now, possibly around the names you mentioned (Olimpia, AC Milan and Inter, ed.). But Rome also has major entrepreneurs and concrete interest. In Rome, Virtus, Luiss and Stella EBK are backed by solid ownership groups, and the arrival of the NBA is seen as a major opportunity.”
On the Friedkin Family and Rome
“As far as I know, there hasn’t been any direct expression of interest yet. It’s an important name, and nothing should be ruled out.”
On Arena Capacity in Rome
“From what we understand, it will be sufficient. At least in the beginning, arenas with a 10,000-seat capacity will be acceptable. There is also the possibility of adapting the PalaEur for basketball. In Milan, on the other hand, the Santa Giulia arena could be used.”
On Budgets for NBA Europe
“It will require a major level of investment, but basketball has become such a global sport that it will be worth it. It’s played in 215 countries worldwide and is the No. 1 sport in more than 40 of them.”
