The clock is ticking for prospective owners hoping to secure a franchise in NBA Europe, with a deadline for non-binding offers arriving at midnight tonight, Tuesday. The league’s ambitious plan to establish a European presence by October 2027 is gaining momentum, though recent developments suggest a potentially collaborative path forward with the EuroLeague. Milan and Rome have emerged as the primary Italian candidates, but the landscape is shifting as negotiations evolve.
For years, Milan and Rome have been identified as potential host cities for NBA Europe teams, or “franchises,” as league officials prefer. On the Milan front, both AC Milan and Olimpia Milano have been prominently mentioned, with Inter Milan maintaining a watching brief. RedBird Capital, the owner of AC Milan, is expected to submit a bid, but the financial stakes – reportedly around $500 million for entry – and a changing dynamic between the NBA and EuroLeague are introducing new complexities.
The potential for collaboration between the NBA and EuroLeague, highlighted by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno, is significantly altering the equation. Silver recently stated that the “best outcome would be if we come together with the EuroLeague,” as reported by Eurohoops. Bueno, a former NBA executive with 12 years of experience as vice president for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, echoed this sentiment, suggesting a desire to integrate rather than compete. Bueno’s comments to La Gazzetta dello Sport – translated as “I don’t imagine a future without Olimpia in the EuroLeague. I don’t even observe the possibility that another brand manages a reference basketball team in Milan that isn’t Olimpia” – strongly suggest a preference for maintaining the status quo with Olimpia Milano.
Ettore Messina, former coach of Olimpia Milano, emphasized the need for a unified approach, stating, “I hope we reach an agreement between the NBA, EuroLeague and FIBA to have some cohesion, some logic in the schedules and to make these clubs less like machines that lose money.” Hoops Rumors reports Messina made these remarks at a regional council ceremony in Lombardy. The availability of venues in Milan further strengthens the city’s position. Beyond the Forum of Assago, the new Santa Giulia facility, recently vetted for the Winter Games, boasts a capacity of over 15,000 and is a strong contender to host NBA Europe games.
The situation in Rome presents a different picture. The capital city has long been considered a desirable location for the NBA, but potential ownership groups appear to be distinct from the Italian football establishment. Initial interest from the Friedkin family, owners of AS Roma, reportedly did not materialize. Currently, two groups are actively pursuing a franchise: one led by Donnie Nelson, former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, alongside Rimantas Kaukenas, and reportedly with interest from Luka Dončić; and another headed by Paul Matiasic, the current president of Trieste, a Serie A team.
According to sources, the Nelson-led group is considered to have the most concrete offer and is expected to submit a bid before the midnight deadline. Matiasic, however, appears to be initially focused on securing a single team in the capital. Reports indicate discussions have taken place between Nelson and Massimiliano Pasqualini, who sponsors and presides over Virtus Roma 1960, currently third in Serie B Nazionale, exploring a potential exchange of assets. However, Virtus Roma’s immediate goal is promotion to Serie A2.
Rome is virtually assured of having at least one Serie A team next season, and potentially two if Matiasic proceeds with relocating Trieste’s franchise to the capital. Beyond the on-court maneuvering, significant infrastructure developments are underway. The renovation of the Centrale del Tennis, slated to commence after the Internazionali d’Italia in May, is receiving support from Sport e Salute, with the aim of transforming the venue into a year-round, sustainable facility capable of hosting over 13,000 spectators – and potentially NBA Europe games.
The evolving relationship between the NBA and the EuroLeague, spearheaded by the appointment of Chus Bueno, is a critical factor in these developments. As Sports Business Journal reported in February, Silver expressed encouragement regarding constructive discussions with the EuroLeague, noting Bueno’s long-standing relationship with the NBA. This shift in tone suggests a move away from direct competition towards a more integrated approach to basketball development in Europe.
The NBA’s expansion plans also include exploring potential franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle, markets with strong basketball traditions. However, the European expansion represents a unique challenge and opportunity, requiring careful navigation of existing leagues and partnerships. The outcome of tonight’s bid submissions, coupled with ongoing negotiations between the NBA, EuroLeague, and FIBA, will shape the future of basketball in Europe for years to come.
The next key checkpoint will be the NBA’s evaluation of the submitted bids, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Further updates on the NBA-EuroLeague collaboration are anticipated following a planned meeting between the leagues and FIBA. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of this developing story.
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