Luka Dončić is making a power move off the court, joining an investor group led by former Dallas Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson to establish a basketball powerhouse in Rome. This acquisition is not just about owning a team; it’s a strategic entry into Adam Silver’s ambitious NBA Europe project, slated to tip off in late 2027.
The “Cremona to Rome” Pivot
The group has reached a preliminary agreement to purchase Vanoli Basket Cremona, a team in Italy’s top-tier Lega Basket Serie A (LBA).
- The Goal: They aren’t buying the team for its location in northern Italy, but for its Serie A license.
- The Move: Any NBA Europe participant must also compete in a domestic league. The group plans to relocate the franchise 330 miles south to Rome, a massive market that currently lacks a top-division basketball team.
- The Rule: Under Italian regulations, the team may have to wait two years before officially changing its name and completing the relocation.
The NBA Europe Blueprint
Commissioner Adam Silver’s vision for the continent is a 16-team league that blends the American franchise model with European meritocracy:
- 12 Permanent Licenses: Targeted cities include London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, Rome, Milan, Athens, and Istanbul.
- 4 Annual Merit Spots: One spot goes to the winner of the FIBA Basketball Champions League, and three others are earned through domestic league performance.
- Launch Date: Target is October 2027, aligning with the start of the North American NBA season.
Dončić’s Role & Ownership Rules
At just 26, Dončić is following in the footsteps of Kevin Durant (Paris Saint-Germain investor) and Tony Parker (ASVEL Basket owner).
- Player Stakes: While current NBA rules for domestic teams are strict, there is currently no cap on how much a player can own of an NBA Europe franchise.
- The 5% Limit: Conversely, any owner of an NBA Europe team is prohibited from owning more than 5% of a North American NBA team to prevent conflicts of interest, as all 30 NBA owners will technically be stakeholders in the European venture.