Luka Doncic confirmed a major development in Italian basketball on Friday, as the Los Angeles Lakers star shared an Instagram post declaring “Basketball is coming to Rome” and “Basketball is coming back to Rome 🔥” in a video that generated global attention. The revelation signals a potential revival of top-tier basketball in the Italian capital, with Doncic positioned as a key investor in a new club aiming to join a proposed NBA Europe league. The move follows the collapse of Virtus Roma in 2020, which left Rome without a professional team for six years.
Doncic’s Social Media Statement Sparks Global Attention
Doncic’s Instagram post, shared on May 29, 2026, was the first public confirmation of his involvement in the project. The Slovenian star, currently in his home country during the NBA offseason, used the platform to hint at a “new major project in Italy.” The message, accompanied by a video, was retweeted by Eurohoops, which noted that Doncic’s endorsement carries significant weight given his status as a global basketball icon. The post’s viral reception underscored the anticipation surrounding Rome’s return to elite basketball, with fans and analysts speculating about the club’s ambitions.
“Basketball is coming to Rome,” Doncic wrote, a line that echoes the city’s history as a hub for European basketball. The phrase also alludes to the potential expansion of the NBA into Europe, a long-discussed idea that has gained momentum in recent years. The post’s brevity contrasted with the detailed reports from Eurohoops, which revealed that Doncic is a minority shareholder in the new venture, backed by former Dallas Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson.
The Road to NBA Europe: A Multistep Strategy
The new club, which has yet to reveal its name or home venue, is part of a broader strategy to establish a permanent presence in a reimagined European basketball league. Eurohoops reported that the project has already secured the legal transfer of Vanoli Cremona’s sporting title to Rome, a critical step in the club’s formation. The Italian Basketball Federation (LBA) has conditionally approved the relocation for the next season, though final approvals are pending. This move aligns with the LBA’s efforts to expand its reach and attract international investment.
Central to the club’s vision is the hiring of Sasha Djordjevic, a former EuroLeague champion and LBA UnipolSai winner in 2021. Djordjevic, who previously coached Virtus Segafredo Bologna, is set to lead the team’s debut campaign. His appointment was confirmed by La Gazzetta Dello Sport, a source cited by Eurohoops, and marks a strategic choice to blend European experience with the club’s international aspirations. The hiring of Djordjevic also highlights the project’s focus on developing a competitive identity that could eventually qualify for a new European league, potentially linked to the NBA.
Rome’s Basketball Legacy and the Challenge of Revival
Rome’s absence from top-tier basketball since the 2020 bankruptcy of Virtus Roma has left a void in the city’s sports culture. The team, which once competed in the LBA and EuroLeague, folded due to financial instability, leaving local fans without a professional franchise. The new club’s formation represents a bold attempt to restore Rome’s prominence in European basketball, a goal that requires navigating financial, logistical, and regulatory hurdles.
HoopsHype noted that the project’s success hinges on securing a stable revenue model and attracting high-profile talent. Doncic’s involvement provides a significant boost, as his global brand could draw sponsorships and fan engagement. However, the club must also contend with the challenges of building a competitive team in a market where established franchises like Olimpia Milano and AXA FC Barcelona dominate. The LBA’s recent efforts to modernize its structure and expand its footprint in Europe could provide a framework for the new team’s growth.
What’s Next for the Project?
The next phase of the project will involve finalizing the club’s structure, including its home arena and league affiliation. Eurohoops reported that the public unveiling of the venture is expected in the coming days, with Doncic scheduled to attend a press conference in Rome. His presence would signal a strong commitment to the project and reinforce its credibility. The club’s long-term goal remains securing a permanent spot in a new European league, a vision that has been discussed by league officials and stakeholders for years.
Analysts suggest that the project’s success will depend on its ability to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. The NBA Europe concept, while ambitious, faces challenges such as logistical complexities and the need for regulatory alignment. However, Doncic’s investment and the club’s strategic partnerships could position it as a pioneer in this space. As the story unfolds, Rome’s return to elite basketball will be closely watched by fans and industry experts alike.
“Basketball is coming to Rome,” Doncic wrote on Instagram, a declaration that has already reshaped the conversation around European basketball. The next steps will determine whether this ambitious project becomes a reality or remains a vision for the future.
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