Luka Doncic and former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson are part of an investor group moving to purchase an Italian basketball team. This acquisition is seen as a strategic step connected to the evolving plans for NBA Europe.
The team targeted in this deal is Vanoli Basket Cremona, based in northern Italy, with Donnie Nelson reportedly having reached a preliminary agreement for its purchase. The involvement of Doncic and Nelson highlights their shared interest in expanding basketball’s footprint overseas, particularly regarding the upcoming NBA Europe league backed by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Clarifications on Investor Group Composition
Reports from the Milan-based sports outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport mentioned that Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks legend, was also part of the investment group. However, Nowitzki’s spokesman, Scott Tomlin, denied this claim.
“Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki was also in the investor group, but Nowitzki’s spokesman Scott Tomlin refuted the report.” – Scott Tomlin, Spokesman
Background on Nelson and Doncic’s History
Donnie Nelson, 63, brings extensive experience, having spent 24 years with the Mavericks, including 19 seasons as president of basketball operations before parting ways with the organization in 2021. Luka Doncic, who began his NBA career with Dallas, played 6½ seasons there before a surprising trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025. Notably, Nelson orchestrated the trade that brought Doncic to Dallas in 2018 and served as team president during much of Doncic’s early NBA tenure.
Plans for NBA Europe and Team Expansion
Vanoli Basket currently competes in Italy’s top professional league, the Lega Basket Serie A. The group aims to use Vanoli’s league license to establish a new franchise in Rome. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has outlined plans for NBA Europe to launch in September 2027, featuring teams in multiple notable European cities. Italy is expected to be represented by teams based in Rome and Milan, alongside other cities such as London and Manchester in the United Kingdom, Paris and Lyon in France, Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, Berlin and Munich in Germany, plus Athens and Istanbul.
The investment required for an NBA Europe team will be substantial. Previous reports suggest that acquiring a license for a team in London could exceed $1 billion, indicating the scale of financial commitment involved.
Implications for European Basketball and NBA Growth
This move by Luka Doncic and Donnie Nelson underlines the growing link between NBA figures and the expansion of basketball’s global presence. Establishing NBA Europe with teams in major cities across the continent reflects the league’s ambition to tap into new markets and foster talent development internationally. For Vanoli Basket and Italian basketball, it presents an opportunity to elevate the sport’s profile while connecting to one of the most prestigious basketball organizations worldwide.
