Luka Doncic and Donnie Nelson’s Shocking $10M Italian Team Purchase: What’s Their NBA Plan?

Luka Doncic, one of the NBA's brightest stars, and former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson are teaming up for an exciting new venture: entering the world of European basketball. Reports from The Athletic confirm that Doncic and Nelson are part of an investment group planning to purchase a basketball team in Italy. The targeted team is Vanoli Basket Cremona, currently competing in Liga Basket Serie A, Italy's top professional league.

This strategic move appears to be part of a broader ambition to tap into NBA commissioner Adam Silver's vision for an NBA Europe league. Nelson reportedly has a preliminary agreement to acquire Vanoli Basket, with the intent to establish a new franchise in Rome, thereby aligning with Silver's plans to have teams in significant European cities including Milan, London, Paris, and Madrid by September 2027.

Nelson, who spent 24 years with the Mavericks—including 19 seasons as president of basketball operations—has a history of making pivotal decisions for the franchise. Notably, he was responsible for acquiring Doncic through a draft-night trade with the Atlanta Hawks back in 2018. Their professional relationship thrived during Doncic's initial years in the league, as Nelson was instrumental in shaping the Mavericks' past successes. However, their paths diverged when Nelson and the Mavericks parted ways in 2021, and Doncic found himself with the Los Angeles Lakers following a trade in February 2025.

While there were initial reports suggesting that Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki was also involved in the investment group, his spokesperson, Scott Tomlin, has since refuted those claims, leaving the composition of the investor group less certain.

The financial implications of this venture are substantial. Previous reports have indicated that acquiring a license for a team in major European cities, like London, could exceed $1 billion. This reflects the growing global popularity of basketball and the NBA's ambition to establish a foothold in Europe, a market that has been increasingly receptive to the league.

As Doncic and Nelson embark on this venture, they not only aim to enhance their business portfolios but also to contribute to the development of basketball in Europe, which has seen a surge in talent and interest in recent years. The NBA's expansion into Europe represents a significant opportunity for both established players and emerging talents, as the league seeks to create a bridge between American and European basketball cultures.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Luka Doncic and Donnie Nelson marks a notable chapter in both their careers, with potential implications for the future of basketball in Europe. As they lay the groundwork for what could become a new franchise in Rome, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this endeavor unfolds.