Andrea Bargnani shared his thoughts with Sky Sport on the upcoming LBA season, highlighting the excitement surrounding the league’s new era, the return of basketball to Rome, and the future of the Italian national team.
The former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick believes the 2026-27 season will mark a turning point for Italian basketball.
“Serie A is starting in a great way this year, with many new developments. The biggest one is the return of two teams from Rome. Not only because they represent the capital, but because of the excitement surrounding a movement that is changing and creating opportunities we haven’t seen for many years.”
Bargnani also emphasized the potential impact of NBA Europe and the investments expected to reshape European basketball.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm around NBA Europe and the resources this new system could bring to European basketball. We’re optimistic, excited to begin this new season and see where these changes will take us, especially what they’ll bring to basketball fans.”
The LBA Executive Advisor also underlined the importance of having two clubs from Rome back in the top flight.
“Regardless of how the ownership structures develop, having two teams in Rome is great for the sport. It helps television audiences and expands the fan base. Games like Milan vs. Rome, Rome vs. Bologna or Venice vs. Rome are important. Having major cities back in basketball is an opportunity that must be embraced.”
Finally, Bargnani spoke about the Italian national team and praised head coach Luca Banchi and federation coordinator Gigi Datome.
“I’ve known Banchi for many years, even though he never coached me. He lives and breathes basketball 24 hours a day, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re rebuilding a program. He’s doing an excellent job together with Gigi Datome.”
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