Luka Dončić involved in creating a franchise in Rome
According to The AthleticLuka Doncic is part of a group of investors led by Donnie Nelson, Don’s son and former Mavericks manager, behind the Slovenian’s arrival in Dallas. Their goal: to establish a franchise in Rome as part of the future NBA Europe. He confirmed the information Gazzetta dello Sport.
According to several sources close to the matter, Donny Nelson has reached a preliminary agreement to buy Italian club Vanoli Basket Cremona.
Club Lombard has a license in Serie A (Lega Basket Serie A). However, in order to participate in the future NBA Europe, each franchise will also have to play in its national championship. Therefore, the purchase of Vanoli would be mainly motivated by obtaining this license.
Rome hasn’t had high-level basketball since 2020
An idea? Then transfer the project to Rome, located approximately 530 kilometers from Cremona, to create a new franchise there. However, Italian regulations impose a two-year deadline before any change to a club’s name or identity. Let us remind you that since the announcement of the withdrawal of Virtus Roma in 2020, the Italian capital no longer has a team among the elite, not even in Serie A2.
Contrary to some rumours, Dirk Nowitzki would not be part of the project, her spokesperson said. On the other side, a former Lithuanian player Rimas Kaukenasa well-known figure in the Italian championship, he would be involved.
Other NBA figures, past and present, are involved in the NBA Europe project. We think of Kevin Durant, minority shareholder of PSGwho could join this new league. for his part, Tony Parker is the owner of ASVEL, a club based near Lyon that is expected to join NBA Europe. finally, Pau Gasol would consider a leadership role in future competition.
2026-02-11 13:40:00
