NBA Europe Expansion Gains Momentum: Milan and Rome Targeted for New Franchises
A new era for European basketball is on the horizon as the NBA and FIBA partnership, frequently referred to as NBA Europe, gains significant traction. Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) President Gianni Petrucci has confirmed that formal agreement is expected in the coming weeks, with Milan and Rome emerging as frontrunners to host new franchises.
Italian Cities Poised to Join NBA Europe
The vision includes establishing teams in both Milan and Rome, which will have the NBA acronym
, while simultaneously continuing to participate in the Italian championship and making players available for national team competitions. This dual participation is seen as a big step forward
for Italian basketball.
Potential Ownership Groups Emerge
According to Petrucci, two prominent Italian football clubs are actively exploring involvement in the venture. On paper today there are two realities that are manifesting themselves. And they are true realities, they are not rumors.
Specifically, AC Milan and Inter Milan are being discussed as potential owners.
I read it in the newspapers like everyone else, but I say that Inter are similarly interested, from what I had learned and from what I had intuited – and not just intuited.Gianni Petrucci, President of the Italian Basketball Federation
Discussions have also included Gerry Cardinale, the owner of AC Milan through RedBird Capital, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who were recently seen together in London discussing the project.
Agreement Imminent
The NBA-FIBA agreement has already been sanctioned and is expected to be signed in the next few days of March
, as confirmed by FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa. Petrucci expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, This will bring enthusiasm with two teams like Roma and Milan who will have the NBA acronym, still continuing to play in the Italian championship and making their players available in the windows for the national team, which is a big step forward. So I personally root for this reality.
FAQ
What is NBA Europe?
NBA Europe is a new top-tier continental league in Europe resulting from a partnership between the NBA and FIBA.
Which cities are being considered for franchises?
Milan and Rome are the leading candidates to host NBA Europe franchises.
Are any football clubs involved?
AC Milan and Inter Milan are actively exploring the possibility of owning franchises.
The development of NBA Europe represents a significant step in the globalization of basketball, bringing the excitement and prestige of the NBA to a wider European audience.