Money Talks: Basketball Fever Hits Rome as Luka Dončić Backs Italian Project With Millions

Serving as Rome's general manager and co-owner, Nelson detailed how the idea originated to acquire the license and relocate the franchise from Cremona.

"After a few too many vodkas, we met with Rimantas Kaukenas," the 64-year-old Nelson recalled.

The blueprint was soon presented to Dončić, who immediately showed strong interest in investing his own capital into the venture, fully buying into the vision for the new club. Management is determined to forge a lasting connection with the local fanbase, with Nelson insisting their commitment to Rome is here to stay:

"Our goal is to be part of NBA Europe, but even if that doesn't happen, we're not leaving the city."

Addressing the dynamic and potential clash between the EuroLeague and the NBA, Nelson cast doubt on whether two premier competitions could realistically coexist on the continent:

"The real question is whether the market is strong enough to sustain two major leagues."

Club executives are currently in talks to upgrade the city's sports infrastructure, focusing on the PalEUR arena and the Foro Italico complex. Nelson also stressed he has no issue sharing the city with fellow local club Maxima Roma, adding that they are prepared to win over fans "door-to-door" if necessary.

The team, originally known as Roma SPQR, opened its EuroCup campaign with a 2-1 record, while currently sitting at 1-2 in the Italian Serie A championship.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's vision of expanding the world's premier league beyond North America is steadily gathering momentum. The conceptual framework outlines two 15-team divisions, highlighting major European hubs such as London, Paris, Berlin, Bologna, Kazan, Tel Aviv, and Athens, while Spanish basketball hubs Madrid and Barcelona could each host their own franchises.

Two primary developmental pathways are on the table: luring established NBA stars to European rosters or building entirely new squads centered around top European talent given a shot on the biggest stage.

While such an endeavor would create massive commercial and sporting momentum, questions remain over how this new structure would impact existing competitions like the EuroLeague and EuroCup, though European basketball would undeniably enter a brand-new era.