Top-flight basketball is set to return to Rome through a new project involving the relocation of Vanoli Cremona to the Italian capital.
The venture is backed by an investment group led by former NBA executive Donnie Nelson, with Luka Doncic among the main investors.
Former Lithuanian international Rimantas Kaukenas will lead basketball operations, while legendary coach Valerio Bianchini is also part of the initiative.
“For me, this is not just a simple financial investment. I want to build a club that can compete at the highest level and that will mean something to Roma, because they deserve the best, and we are ready to give them that,” Doncic started for Gazzeta Dello Sport.
Doncic explained that Rome holds special meaning for him, as one of his first major international tournaments took place there.
“Rome is a special place for me. It was one of the first times I played serious basketball in front of an audience outside of Slovenia and after that tournament my career practically exploded. Returning to Rome, and in this role, is something I couldn’t have even dreamed of at the time. I feel like I’ve come full circle.”
The Slovenian star did not provide many details about the project but promised more information will be released soon.
“There will be concrete news soon, I don’t want to go into detail yet. But one thing is for sure: we will create a team that the whole city will stand behind. We are coming to Rome to win.”
He also voiced support for closer cooperation between the NBA and EuroLeague.
“It would be best if they could find a common language and a way to cooperate. I spent great years in the Euroleague before going to America and that competition shaped my game in every sense. So I hope that this cooperation will bring good to both of us,” he concluded.
Slovenian superstar gave his first statements about the new project: https://t.co/u4iDBRvKIR
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) May 30, 2026
