Luka Doncic, Donnie Nelson pair to purchase Rome pro team

Field Level Media|published: Fri 29th May, 14:07 2026

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77, middle) reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Luka Doncic and former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson teamed to purchase professional basketball club Vanoli Cremona in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, with a bid to become NBA Europe's representative in Rome.

The club is relocating to Rome ahead of the 2026-27 season as part of the purchase with Nelson, son of longtime NBA coach Don Nelson, and Doncic joined in the ownership group by former Italian league player Rimantas Kaukenas and coach Valerio Bianchini.

"I have dreamed about owning a team in Europe for a long time, to finally have this happen is amazing," Doncic said in a statement. "Vanoli has a great history, and we are ready to take it to the next level in Rome. We have an amazing group of partners, and I really believe we can do something special for basketball in Italy and Europe."

The NBA is partnering with FIBA to develop NBA Europe with plans for the league to begin as soon as fall 2027. Commissioner Adam Silver set a goal of at least 12 teams for the inaugural season with the potential for 16 total teams, depending on various factors.

Donnie Nelson, 63, was a key figure in the front office of the Mavericks when Dallas acquired Doncic on draft night in 2018 for Trae Young.

Bianchini, 82, earned a reputation as a consistent winner with three Italian league championships with three different clubs.

--Field Level Media

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