Luka Doncic is reportedly part of a group led by Donnie Nelson looking to establish a professional basketball team in Rome ahead of the NBA Europe launch. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Nelson and his partners have submitted a precontract to acquire Cremona’s Serie A rights, signaling serious intent to bring top-level basketball back to the Italian capital.
Nelson, a longtime NBA executive with Dallas Mavericks, has previously been involved in identifying international talent, including drafting Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki. The group reportedly includes Nowitzki, Doncic, and basketball executive Rimantas Kaukenas, with the goal of securing a franchise in the forthcoming NBA Europe league scheduled for 2027–28.
However, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the reporting about Nowitzki’s involvement is inaccurate.
NBA Europe aims to feature the best clubs across the continent with 16 teams, 12 of which will hold permanent licenses. Italy is expected to have representation with Milan and Rome, with Nelson’s group negotiating facilities at PalaEur for immediate use while the Foro Italico arena undergoes renovations to increase capacity to 13,500.
The group emphasizes developing basketball in Rome, citing the city’s absence from top-level Italian basketball since Virtus Roma withdrew from Serie A in 2020. La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted the involvement of local stakeholders to strengthen ties to the city and its basketball heritage.
Doncic’s participation aligns with a broader trend of NBA players investing in professional sports abroad. Nelson, who has been a special advisor to the Slovenian national team since last summer, told Italian officials that high-profile names such as Doncic bring both credibility and global attention to the project.
Financial projections for NBA Europe franchises range from $500 million to $1 billion, with the league planning a salary cap to maintain competitive balance. Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized Europe’s untapped potential, noting that 15% of current NBA players are European and that basketball is the continent’s second-most popular sport after soccer.
Discussions have also included arena logistics and community engagement, with local clubs prepared to partner with investors. Nelson’s team has already secured a multi-year agreement with Eur Spa to host games at PalaEur until the Foro Italico renovations are complete, ensuring continuity for fans and operations.
A key upcoming milestone is the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, where league officials will meet with all stakeholders to finalize investment and franchise arrangements. The event will provide a platform for Nelson, Doncic, and other partners to solidify Rome’s place in the NBA Europe roadmap.
