By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Joint efforts by the NBA and FIBA to launch a new premier continental league, often referred to as NBA Europe, have identified Rome as a primary target city. The Italian capital is slated to host one of 12 permanent franchises, with the league projected to debut at the start of the 2027–28 season.
As Rome currently lacks a top-tier basketball club, a consortium led by former Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson is working to revitalize the city’s basketball scene. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the group plans to acquire the sporting rights of Vanoli Cremona to launch a new club in Italy’s LBA UnipolSai for the 2026–27 season. This team would then serve as the foundation for Rome’s entry into the new international league.
The project reportedly enjoys the high-profile support of NBA legends Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic. Both stars share deep ties with the 63-year-old Nelson, with Nowitzki spending his entire career under Nelson’s influence in Dallas. The link with Doncic expands from his spell with the Mavs to collaborating with the executive during recent stints with the Slovenian national team. The investment group also includes veteran Mavericks scout Roberto Carmenati and former Wolves Twinsbet president Rimantas Kaukenas.
Negotiations have intensified in recent weeks to secure the necessary agreements and a suitable home venue.
For the first season, the proposed 16-team league will include 12 permanent members and four more entries via the Basketball Champions League or season-ending tournaments.
Discussions regarding the Rome franchise and other potential European investors are expected to be a central topic during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.
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