Olimpia Milano is exploring a potential role in the NBA’s planned European expansion, with early-stage discussions involving Oaktree Capital Management — the owner of Inter Milan.
Club president Pantaleo Dell’Orco confirmed contact between the parties but downplayed expectations, stressing that talks remain informal and no concrete negotiations are underway.
The conversations sit within a broader wave of investor positioning ahead of the National Basketball Association’s proposed European league, targeted for launch as early as 2027. The project is expected to adopt a franchise-based model, with entry fees reportedly ranging between €500 million and €1 billion.
Capital competition builds in Milan
Oaktree is not alone in assessing the opportunity. RedBird Capital Partners — owner of AC Milan — has also been linked to potential involvement, creating a competitive investment dynamic within Milan as stakeholders seek early positioning in what could become European basketball’s most disruptive project.
The NBA’s approach signals a clear pivot toward an entertainment-led model, designed to unlock new audiovisual revenues and global commercial partnerships, rather than replicate the traditional European club structure.
Despite exploratory talks, Olimpia Milano is maintaining its current strategic alignment with the EuroLeague, where it holds a long-term licence running through 2036.
Dell’Orco reiterated that the club’s immediate focus remains unchanged — a reflection of the broader caution among European basketball institutions toward the NBA’s proposal.
Key uncertainties persist around governance, media rights distribution, and long-term revenue sharing — all critical variables that will determine whether established clubs fully commit to the new ecosystem.One of the primary sticking points is the NBA’s reported intention to retain approximately 45% of league revenues — a structure that has already triggered concern among prospective European investors.
While the commercial upside of NBA involvement is clear, the balance of control and financial return remains under scrutiny, particularly for clubs weighing the risk of leaving established competitions.The NBA’s European project represents a potential structural reset for the sport on the continent — but for now, it remains a concept still searching for alignment between capital, clubs, and governance.
Olimpia Milano’s cautious engagement reflects the broader market sentiment: interest is high, but commitment will depend on clarity.