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Reports Tie Donnie Nelson–Led Bid to Rome NBA Europe Team as Nowitzki Link Is Disputed

The NBA targets a 2027 European launch with a 16-team model that guarantees two clubs each from five major markets.

Overview

  • Italian reports say a consortium headed by former Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson has a preliminary deal to buy Vanoli Basket Cremona and later relocate the club to Rome.
  • Dirk Nowitzki was named in some reports as part of the investor group, but his spokesperson Scott Tomlin told reporter Marc Stein that Nowitzki is not involved.
  • Luka Dončić is also reported as a participant in the consortium, though the overall investor lineup remains unconfirmed.
  • League planning points to an October 2027 start for NBA Europe in cooperation with FIBA.
  • Officials have discussed a 16-team structure with 10–12 permanent clubs and rotating spots, with candidates including Olimpia Milano and a prospective Rome team in Italy and Alba Berlin and Bayern Munich in Germany.