Luka Doncic backs Donnie Nelson-led NBA Europe franchise in Rome

Former Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson is leading a group to bring an NBA Europe team to the Italian capital.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, is reportedly part of an investor group led by former Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson that is working to bring an NBA Europe franchise to Rome, Italy. The group plans to acquire the sporting rights of Vanoli Basket Cremona and launch a new club in the Italian League starting with the 2026-27 season, which would then serve as the foundation for Rome's entry into the new NBA Europe competition.

Why it matters

Rome currently lacks a top-tier professional basketball club, and the addition of an NBA Europe franchise would bring elite-level basketball to the Italian capital. Doncic's involvement as an investor is significant, as he has strong ties to the region through his Slovenian nationality and Nelson's previous role as a special advisor to the Slovenian national team.

The details

The reported ownership group includes longtime Mavericks scout Roberto Carmenati and former Wolves Vilnius president Rimantas Kaukenas, who spent ten seasons playing in Italy and won five league titles with Montepaschi Siena. While initial reports also linked Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki to the project, his spokesman has since denied his involvement.

  • The new NBA Europe league is expected to launch with 16 teams, including 12 permanent franchises, in the 2027-28 season.
  • The investor group plans to acquire the sporting rights of Vanoli Basket Cremona and launch a new club in the Italian League starting with the 2026-27 season.

The players

Luka Doncic

A 26-year-old Slovenian superstar who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.

Donnie Nelson

The former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, who is leading the investor group to bring an NBA Europe franchise to Rome.

Dirk Nowitzki

A Dallas Mavericks legend, whose involvement in the project was initially reported but later denied by his representatives.

Roberto Carmenati

A longtime scout for the Dallas Mavericks, who is part of the investor group.

Rimantas Kaukenas

The former president of Wolves Vilnius, who is part of the investor group and spent ten seasons playing in Italy, winning five league titles with Montepaschi Siena.

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What they’re saying

“Dirk Nowitzki is not part of the group.”

— Scott Tomlin, Dirk Nowitzki's spokesman (The Athletic)

What’s next

The investor group plans to acquire the sporting rights of Vanoli Basket Cremona and launch a new club in the Italian League starting with the 2026-27 season, which would then serve as the foundation for Rome's entry into the new NBA Europe competition.

The takeaway

The addition of an NBA Europe franchise in Rome would bring elite-level basketball to the Italian capital, which currently lacks a top-tier professional club. Luka Doncic's involvement as an investor, along with the leadership of former Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson, suggests the project has significant backing and potential for success.