Rome, Italy – A new era for European basketball appears to be on the horizon, as Italian Basketball Federation (FIBP) President Gianni Petrucci confirmed that agreements are in place for NBA Europe to establish a presence in Rome, and Milan. The formal signing is anticipated to occur in March, marking a significant step forward for the sport in Italy and across the continent.
“Today, there are two realities manifesting themselves on paper,” Petrucci stated in an interview with Giornale Radio Rai. “And these are real realities, not just talk.” The agreement between the NBA and FIBA has already been sanctioned, and Petrucci indicated that the signing will accept place in the coming days of March, as confirmed by FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa during a visit to Turin. This development is expected to inject enthusiasm into the Italian basketball landscape, with both Rome and Milan poised to feature teams bearing the NBA branding, while continuing to participate in the domestic Italian league and making their players available for national team commitments – a crucial advancement for the national program.
Petrucci expressed his personal support for the initiative, stating, “I personally root for this reality. Let the skeptics remain skeptical. For now, based on what has been said, I want to move this forward.” The move is seen as a way to increase competitiveness and expand the player pool, offering a new avenue for development and exposure for European talent.
Milan and Inter Interested in NBA Europe Teams? “There is Interest”
Adding another layer of intrigue, Petrucci addressed reports regarding potential interest from Gerry Cardinale, owner of AC Milan, in acquiring Olimpia Milano. “I read it in the newspapers like everyone else, but I can say that Inter is similarly interested, from what I had learned and intuited – and not just intuited,” he revealed. He further noted that representatives from Milan, including Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, were present in London and engaged in discussions on the matter. “This is a reality. I know there is skepticism. Let those who want to be skeptical remain so.”
Women’s National Team Heads to World Cup Qualifying Tournament: “We Believe”
The conversation also turned to the Italian women’s national team, which is preparing to compete in a World Cup qualifying tournament in San Juan. Petrucci highlighted the team’s recent success, noting that their historic bronze medal at the European Championships earned them a visit to the Quirinal Palace – a rare honor reserved for teams winning gold medals. “We are starting from the historic medal at the European Championships last summer,” he said. “We are starting with hope. Of course, the other teams in our group also believe, but we are Italy, and with that name, we should never be afraid of anyone.”
Petrucci expressed confidence in the team’s ability to qualify for the World Cup, a feat Italy hasn’t achieved in many years. “We can achieve a qualification to the World Cup that we have been missing for too many years,” he stated.
He also touched upon the performance of the men’s national team, which has won three of its four qualifying games under coach Luca Banchi. “The men’s national team, you’ve seen it, played a great game against a great nation,” Petrucci said. “A few years ago, Great Britain was 42nd in the ranking, today they have gained great positions. They have players who play for Olimpia Milano, Venezia, and other teams that compete in the top European competitions. Today in men’s basketball, everyone can beat everyone, and we can beat everyone. In youth activities, we are third in Europe, sixth in the world. This demonstrates the progress. Of course, the result is what counts in the end. But sooner or later we will get there.”
Discussions also included the possibility of hosting a match between Italy and Lithuania at the PalaEur in Rome on July 5th. “We are working to return to Rome after many years,” Petrucci concluded. “I want to bring it to the federal council because there is this enthusiasm. Also for everything that could come after.”
The anticipated signing in March will be a pivotal moment for Italian basketball, potentially ushering in a new era of growth and competition. As Petrucci and FIBA continue to finalize the details, fans and stakeholders alike are eagerly awaiting further developments. The arrival of NBA Europe in Rome and Milan promises to elevate the profile of the sport and provide exciting opportunities for players and fans across Italy.
