Napoli Basketball reportedly on track for EuroLeague expansion

Napoli targets EuroLeague expansion

The NBA-EuroLeague saga could have a major impact on the future of several European basketball clubs.

Among the teams interested in joining either the EuroLeague or the potential NBA Europe are the London Lions, Napoli Basketball and Maxima Roma.

According to a source familiar with the matter cited by Front Office Sports, Napoli received conditional approval in August to join the EuroLeague as part of its expansion process.

The team is reportedly expected to receive formal approval within the next 90 days.

Napoli working on a new arena

Napoli owner Matt Rizzetta previously told FOS that he had spent months working with the city of Naples and its mayor on plans for a new arena near the Amalfi Coast.

The arena is being designed to meet the standards of both the EuroLeague and NBA Europe, potentially giving Napoli the infrastructure needed for either project.

Underdog Global Partners’ growing sports portfolio

Rizzetta’s company, Underdog Global Partners, also owns Campobasso, which competes in Italy’s third-highest soccer division, Donna Roma, a women’s soccer team competing in Italy’s second tier, and Napoli Women’s Basketball, Napoli Basketball’s sister team acquired over the summer.

With the EuroLeague considering an expansion, Napoli could be one of the clubs positioned to benefit from the next phase of European basketball.