A further strong clue has arrived regarding AC Milan’s involvement in the NBA’s expansion into Europe, via the Deputy Commissioner’s comments.
As Radio Rossonera report, the NBA Europe project is gaining momentum and could have a strong connection with the world of football, particularly with Milan. Mark Tatum’s words resonate powerfully in this season, as he spoke at the Sports Business Journal’s Dealmakers Conference.
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“It will be almost like a Champions League of basketball in Europe. Brands like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, PSG and AC Milan will be playing basketball. It’s quite interesting,” he said.
“It will be premium live sports content that is globally relevant. It will be relevant in Asia, the United States and North America because some of the brands we’re talking about have huge followings around the world.”
Timing and cost
The plan is for the league to involve 10-12 permanent franchises between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Greece, plus four spots open for sporting merit based on performance in other existing European competitions.
NBA Europe will maintain a salary cap to ensure competitive balance and long-term financial security. The first bids for the franchises will be held as early as the first quarter of 2026, with the idea of starting play in the fall of 2027.
How much will it cost to secure a franchise? Reports speak of a price tag between $500m and $1bn, plus the obligation to invest in high-profile infrastructure. So, it would be a huge investment, one that could end up costing as much as Milan did in 2022 (sold for €1.2bn to RedBird Capital.
Tatum then explains how the tournament would be organised: “We envision a preseason competition where NBA teams come to play in Europe, such as the Knicks, Lakers, or Bulls coming to play against PSG, Real Madrid, and Manchester City with a cup on the line.
“In the medium to long term, say in 5-10 years, you could see a situation where teams like AC Milan and Barcelona also play in the NBA Cup. And in the very long term, when the facilities are world-class in these very important cities and supersonic travel becomes a reality, a situation could arise where there is a European division of the NBA.”
What for? US clubs should stay in USA, don’t need them in Europe.
What for? Sometimes people just post comments just because their keypad are working.
Sometimes people want to seem smart but they end up proving how stupid they are. Do you even know how to actually reply to a comment? What does Milan have to do with NBA? Why would NBA be played in Europe? What is the point besides money? I’m sure you can explain, genius.
they struggle building Futuro & Rosanere, and now starting Basketball division?
I don’t mind us having a basketball team – we of course started as a multi-sport club, and lots of European basketball teams are already associated top football teams….But NBA??? 🤮🤮🤮🤮
Americans – please please please leave us to our far less ugly form of capitalism. Your klaxons and constant flashing lights are not needed here.
USA neon dream is coming to your neighborhood soon. But you shouldn’t be worried, Americans will make a lot of money off of it, so you need to be happy for them and pay. 😀
Not only is it gross, it makes no sense! It’s no different to changing the name of the MLS to UEFA Champions League North American Division (which as I’m typing I’m thinking is probably in the works as we speak 😄)