MILAN – As the NBA continues to lay the groundwork for its ambitious NBA Europe project, slated to potentially launch in October 2027, the question of which city will host a franchise – and who will own it – is generating significant buzz. In Milan, speculation has centered on whether football giants Inter Milan and AC Milan might leverage their financial power to enter the basketball arena. However, EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno has firmly stated that Olimpia Milano is the only viable basketball entity for the city, effectively dismissing the possibility of a new franchise backed by the football clubs.
Bueno’s comments, made during a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, address growing reports that Oaktree Capital (Inter Milan’s owners) and RedBird Capital (AC Milan’s owners) were exploring investment opportunities within the NBA Europe framework. The potential for a basketball “derby” between the two footballing powerhouses had fueled speculation, but Bueno’s stance suggests a clear preference for maintaining the established basketball order in Milan.
Olimpia Milan: A Cornerstone of European Basketball
“The simple answer is no,” Bueno stated, when asked if Milan could exist without Olimpia in the EuroLeague. “I don’t see Milan outside of the EuroLeague. It’s a great team, with a huge tradition, one of the clubs that has been with us from the beginning. I came to Milan to celebrate the 90th anniversary of its history. So, no, that’s not a scenario I see.”
Bueno went further, asserting that he doesn’t foresee any scenario where a brand other than Olimpia Milano would manage a leading basketball team in the city. This is a significant statement, given the considerable financial resources available to both Inter and AC Milan’s ownership groups. The NBA Europe project is anticipated to require substantial investment, with entry fees potentially ranging from €500 million to €1 billion, according to reports. The league envisions a 16-team competition featuring permanent franchises in major European hubs like London, Paris, Madrid and Berlin, alongside Milan.
The CEO’s position underscores the importance of existing basketball infrastructure and fan bases. Olimpia Milano boasts a long and storied history, with a dedicated following and a strong presence within the city’s sporting landscape. For Bueno, any investment in Milan basketball should logically flow through this established entity.
Oaktree and RedBird’s Interest, and the NBA’s Vision
The interest from Oaktree and RedBird isn’t surprising. Both firms are actively seeking opportunities to expand their sporting portfolios. Oaktree, which took control of Inter Milan in early 2024 after a financial restructuring, has been particularly aggressive in exploring new ventures. RedBird, already heavily invested in AC Milan, has demonstrated a clear appetite for sports and entertainment properties.
However, the NBA’s vision for Europe appears to prioritize integrating with, rather than disrupting, the existing basketball ecosystem. The league isn’t simply looking to replicate its American model. it aims to transform European basketball into a more globally integrated and commercially viable industry. This approach suggests a preference for working with established clubs like Olimpia Milano, rather than creating entirely new franchises from scratch.
Bueno emphasized that if any entity is interested in investing in Milan basketball, it should do so through Olimpia. “It’s very difficult for me to think that there would be a new franchise here that plays basketball and isn’t Olimpia Milano,” he said. This sentiment reflects a belief that Olimpia is inextricably linked to the city’s basketball identity and that any attempt to establish a competing franchise would be unlikely to succeed.
What’s Next for NBA Europe and Milan?
The deadline for non-binding offers for NBA Europe licenses is March 31, 2026. This date represents a critical juncture in the process, as the NBA will begin to assess the viability of potential franchise bids. While Oaktree and RedBird’s intentions remain fluid, Bueno’s comments suggest that Olimpia Milano is in a strong position to secure a franchise for the city.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between football and basketball in Milan. While both sports enjoy significant popularity, the NBA’s focus on building a sustainable basketball ecosystem suggests that Olimpia Milano’s established presence will be a key factor in determining the city’s representation in the new league. The NBA Europe project is aiming for an October 2027 launch, and the coming months will be crucial in shaping the league’s final composition.
As the NBA continues its European expansion, the case of Milan serves as a compelling example of the challenges and opportunities involved in integrating a new league into an existing sporting landscape. The league’s success will depend on its ability to balance the ambitions of new investors with the demand to preserve the integrity and traditions of European basketball.
The next key date is March 31st, when initial bids are due. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether Milan will indeed become a home for an NBA Europe franchise.
