Overview
- An investor group led by former Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson has a preliminary agreement to buy Vanoli Basket Cremona to leverage its Serie A license for a Rome-based team.
- Luka Dončić is reported as an investor in the Rome bid, though active-NBA-player ownership rules remain unsettled and require resolution.
- Dirk Nowitzki is not involved in the project, according to his spokesman, following earlier reports that linked him to the group.
- Talks have intensified to secure formal agreements and a suitable Rome venue, with the bid expected to feature in conversations around All-Star Weekend.
- The NBA–FIBA plan targets a 2027–28 launch with roughly 16 teams combining long-term licenses and rotational spots, with domestic participation, EuroLeague contract exposure and Serie A name-change timing among key hurdles.