The Italian basketball league faces a period of uncertainty following critical remarks from Trieste-based coach Danilo Legovich, who warned of a “preoccupante terremoto” (preoccupying earthquake) in the sport’s landscape. The comments come amid the NBA’s growing presence in Europe, the sale of Roma’s professional basketball franchise, and the exits of Brescia and Cremona from the top-tier Serie A. Legovich, a respected figure in Italian basketball, emphasized that commercial interests are overshadowing the sport’s traditional foundations, raising questions about its long-term sustainability.
Legovich, currently coaching in Poland’s Ekstraklasa, delivered his remarks during a press conference in Warsaw, where he criticized the “increasingly transactional” nature of Italian basketball. “Today, it’s only business,” he said. “The passion, the history, the community—these are being replaced by financial calculations.” His comments align with broader concerns among fans and analysts about the league’s direction, though no official response from the Italian Basketball Federation (LNP) has been released as of this report.
What is Driving the Concerns in Italian Basketball?
The concerns stem from three major developments: the NBA’s expansion into European markets, the sale of Roma’s basketball franchise, and the departure of Brescia and Cremona from Serie A. The NBA has intensified its presence in Europe through events like the NBA Global Games, which have been hosted in cities including Milan and Rome. While the league has not yet established a permanent European team, its growing influence has sparked debates about the future of domestic leagues.
Roma’s basketball franchise, which competed in Serie A until 2023, was sold to a private investor in a deal reportedly valued at €15 million. The sale raised questions about the team’s future, as the new owners have not yet announced plans for the franchise. Meanwhile, Brescia and Cremona, two historic clubs, withdrew from Serie A in 2024 due to financial difficulties, leaving the league with a reduced number of teams and a fragmented competitive structure.
“The sale of Roma’s franchise and the exits of Brescia and Cremona are symptomatic of a deeper issue,” said Marco Rossi, a sports economist at the University of Milan. “When clubs prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability, it undermines the entire ecosystem.”
How is the NBA’s Expansion Affecting European Leagues?
The NBA’s expansion into Europe has been both a source of opportunity and anxiety for local leagues. While the league’s presence has increased visibility for basketball in the region, it has also raised fears of talent drain and financial imbalance. The NBA’s Global Games, which feature teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors, have drawn large crowds but have not yet led to a permanent European franchise.
Italian basketball officials have expressed mixed reactions. “The NBA’s presence is a chance to elevate the sport, but we must ensure it doesn’t come at the expense of our own leagues,” said LNP President Alessandro Bianchi in a recent interview. However, critics argue that the NBA’s influence is already reshaping player development and sponsorship deals.
Legovich echoed these concerns, noting that young Italian players are increasingly drawn to NBA scouts and international leagues. “The focus is shifting from developing local talent to chasing global opportunities,” he said. “This creates a vacuum in our domestic structure.”
What Do the Exits of Brescia and Cremona Mean for the League?
The departures of Brescia and Cremona from Serie A have left a significant void in the league’s competitive landscape. Both teams were long-standing members, with Brescia having won the Italian championship in 2008 and Cremona in 2013. Their exits, driven by financial instability, highlight the challenges faced by mid-sized clubs in maintaining viability.
According to data from the LNP, Serie A has seen a 20% reduction in teams since 2019, with smaller clubs struggling to compete with wealthier rivals. The league’s financial model, which relies heavily on television rights and sponsorships, has come under scrutiny. “Smaller clubs are being squeezed out,” said Gianna Moretti, a sports journalist with Reuters. “Without a more balanced financial structure, the league risks becoming a two-tier system.”
Legovich criticized the lack of support for clubs like Brescia and Cremona. “These teams were the backbone of our sport,” he said. “Their absence will be felt for years.”
What is the Role of Commercialization in Italian Basketball?
The commercialization of Italian basketball has been a double-edged sword. While increased sponsorship deals and media coverage have brought in revenue, critics argue that the focus on profit is eroding the sport’s cultural identity. The sale of Roma’s franchise, for example, has been seen as a move toward corporate ownership rather than community-based management.
“There’s a tension between profitability and tradition,” said Luca Ferraro, a sports law professor at Bocconi University. “When clubs are sold to investors, the priorities often shift from local engagement to financial returns.”
Legovich’s comments reflect this tension. “Basketball in Italy is more than a game—it’s a part of our heritage,” he said. “If we lose that, we lose everything.”
What Are the Next Steps for the Italian Basketball League?
The LNP has announced plans to review its financial model and explore new revenue streams, but no concrete measures have been outlined.
