The Italian capital is set to welcome a high-level basketball team once again, following the bankruptcy of Virtus Roma in 2020. This initiative is a preparatory step towards integrating the city into the NBA Europe project.
“I’ve dreamed of owning a team in Europe for a long time, and it’s incredible that this dream has finally come true… Vanoli Cremona has a rich history, and we are ready to take it to new heights in Rome. We have an exceptional group of partners, and I am convinced that we can create something unique for basketball in Italy and in Europe,” stated Luka Dončić, who shared an evocative photo on social media.
Aldo Vanoli has officially confirmed the sale of Guerino Vanoli Basket, a Serie A club based in Cremona, to new owners.
“The club’s headquarters and operations are being transferred to Rome, a city that offers a much larger catchment area and better-suited infrastructure for the demands of high-level basketball.”
In addition to Luka Dončić, the new investors include Donnie Nelson, who has held various roles in the NBA and served as an assistant coach for the Lithuanian national team; former coach Valerio Bianchini; and Rimantas Kaukenas, a former player for Pallacanestro Reggiana and Montepaschi Siena, who will serve as general manager. Sasha Djordjević, a Serbian coach who previously led Olimpia Milano and Virtus Bologna to championship victories, will be at the helm.
The establishment of a Rome-based team that will compete in Serie A is a prerequisite for its integration into NBA Europe, which is slated for launch in the 2027-2028 season.
