The idea of a Rome-based team in NBA Europe remains a hot topic—though only in Italy, with no traction in international media, especially American outlets. So let’s recap the reports that have surfaced in recent days, with a significant revival today in the Roman newspapers.
In early February, La Prealpina reported interest from two investment groups aiming to revive the city’s basketball scene: one American and one Israeli, the latter possibly the same group that attempted a takeover of Virtus Bologna last summer. The entire plan, clearly, is linked to the NBA Europe concept, with the acquisition of an LBA sporting license to be moved to the capital by 2026 (though today, which top-tier club would be willing to give up both its team and local sporting identity?).
Then came the words of Gianni Petrucci, president of the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP), on GR Rai:
“It’s never science fiction when there’s a real desire. Milan is a monument, as is Armani and the whole staff. Rome is the capital of Italy, known all over the world. Today there are two teams in the lower divisions doing good work, like Luiss and Virtus Roma. Moreover, there are always rumors of potential buyers. It would truly be a beautiful dream to see Milan and Rome together.”
Today, Il Tempo revived the idea:
“In the meantime, Rome remains in the sights of foreign investors, as already happened in Naples, aiming for a revival in top-level basketball. The interest is not tied to the current teams in Serie B Nazionale, but rather focuses on the availability of a Serie A sporting license for acquisition and on the construction of a new arena.”
And Il Corriere dello Sport went even further, with concrete details:
“While Milan is already prepared, new scenarios are emerging for Rome after the recent comments from the president of Sport e Salute, Marco Mezzaroma, who opened the door to covering the Centrale del Foro Italico, which would then become a multipurpose venue. Regarding major arenas,” commented Petrucci on the matter, “I’m optimistic, especially after Mezzaroma’s statement about the Centrale.”
From words to action? We’ll see in the coming weeks and months.
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