Luka Dončić Partners with Donnie Nelson
Luka Dončić, the standout Slovenian basketball star, is embarking on an exciting new venture by partnering with Donnie Nelson, a former senior executive of the Dallas Mavericks, to enhance the basketball scene in Rome. The duo is making headlines with their acquisition of Vanoli Cremona, a club that competes in Italy’s top-tier basketball league, Lega Basket Serie A. This significant transition was officially revealed on Friday, marking a new chapter for both Dončić and Nelson.
Leadership and Future Plans
Donnie Nelson, who played a pivotal role in bringing Dončić to the Mavericks during the 2018 NBA Draft, will serve as the lead investor and managing partner in this initiative. As part of the movement, Vanoli Cremona is set to relocate to Rome, with plans for the team to commence its new chapter there in the 2026-27 season. In addition, the ownership group, which also comprises experienced coach Valerio Bianchini and former player Rimantas Kaukėnas, has submitted an application for the team to represent Rome in the anticipated NBA Europe league.
Dončić’s Vision for Basketball in Europe
Luka Dončić expressed his enthusiasm for this endeavor, stating, “I have dreamed about owning a team in Europe for a long time; to finally have this happen is amazing. 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 Europe League
The establishment of an NBA Europe league, which aims to launch in the fall of 2027, has been announced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. This evolving league intends to include up to 16 teams across cities like London, Paris, and Munich, with Rome identified as a key potential host city.
Commitment to Rome’s Basketball Legacy
Moreover, Nelson emphasized the importance of relaunching high-level basketball in Rome, voicing, “Rome deserves world-class basketball, and we are excited to be bringing it back. Vanoli Cremona has a proud history, and we are committed to honoring that legacy as we build toward an exciting future in Rome. This city has been without top-flight basketball for too long. That changes now.”
Dončić’s Journey
Before making his mark in the North American league, Dončić previously showcased his talent on the European stage with Real Madrid. His new role in the acquisition marks yet another step in his budding career that promises to impact basketball far beyond U.S. borders.
