Luka Dončić Invests in Italian Team with NBA Europe Hopes

Luka Dončić is investing in Italian team Vanoli Cremona, teaming up with former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson to bring basketball to Rome.

What happened?

The ownership group, including Nelson, longtime coach Valerio Bianchini, and former player Rimantas Kaukėnas, purchased the professional basketball club, announcing relocation to Rome for the 2026-27 season. Nelson was president of basketball operations for the Mavericks when they traded for Dončić on draft night in 2018.

Why it matters for Luka Dončić

Dončić has dreamed of owning a team in Europe, and this investment is a significant step towards that goal, with the team submitting a bid for NBA Europe representation. The Slovenian standout played professionally in Spain for Real Madrid before starring in the NBA.

What comes next?

The NBA, in partnership with FIBA, is working on the NBA Europe league, expected to launch as soon as fall 2027, with Rome considered a target host city. Other host city targets include London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Munich, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Athens, and Istanbul. Dončić said, "I have dreamed about owning a team in Europe for a long time, to finally have this happen is amazing." The team will begin play in Rome at the start of the 2026-27 season, bringing top-flight basketball back to the city. NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the NBA Europe league plans earlier this year, with up to 16 teams, including 12 permanent locations and four qualifying clubs. Donnie Nelson stated, "Rome deserves world-class basketball, and we are excited to be bringing it back." The ownership group is committed to honoring Vanoli Cremona's legacy while building towards an exciting future in Rome.