Overview
- NBA and FIBA said Wednesday that several non-binding offers exceeded $1 billion after the 6 a.m. deadline in Italy, with deputy commissioner Mark Tatum calling the interest a strong market signal.
- For Milan, investment firms Oaktree and RedBird submitted proposals, with Oaktree exploring a tie-up that could include a minority stake in Olimpia or the launch of a new team brand.
- In Rome, two groups filed interest: a consortium led by Donnie Nelson that counts Luka Doncic as an investor and plans to acquire Cremona for a move to the capital, and owner Paul Matiasic, who would transfer Trieste.
- Olimpia Milano did not submit an offer and remains under contract with EuroLeague until 2036, while Adam Silver has reopened talks with EuroLeague leaders about a cooperative model rather than a head-to-head split.
- NBA Europe targets 12 permanent teams plus four annual qualifiers starting in 2027, and the screening now underway will weigh not just price but also arena upgrades to NBA standards and firm, long-horizon funding commitments.