By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The newly revealed team name, Basketball Club Roma SPQR, marks a groundbreaking moment for Italian basketball by successfully uniting global sports ambition with a deep reverence for continental traditions. Spearheaded by an ownership group featuring Donnie Nelson and Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic, the new team aims to elevate Rome back to the forefront of the game.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport during a visit to the capital, the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA shared his deep personal motivation for the venture. “Owning a team in Europe is something I’ve always dreamed of,” he reaffirmed his reaction and long-held ambitions. “I grew up playing European basketball, and that’s what shaped me. When Donnie Nelson presented me with this opportunity, I said yes right away. It felt like the right choice and an extraordinary way to help grow this sport.”
Reportedly expected to operate under the expert guidance of general manager Claudio Coldebella, the club is moving aggressively to build an elite roster. High-profile signings are expected, like Nico Mannion, Stefano Tonut, and Marko Simonovic, to display the club’s serious sporting intent. Speculation continues to swirl regarding further roster additions, but the ownership group is keeping its final details highly confidential while finalizing agreements.
“I know there’s curiosity about the names, but there are many things in the works, and I don’t want to give anything away. There’s one thing I’d like to say. I can promise the people of Rome that they’ll be thrilled with what we have planned. In everything I do, I want to win. That’s always my goal, and it will be the same in Rome,” Doncic was careful not to reveal too much too soon, addressing the mounting anticipation and rumors surrounding prospective players.
The ambitious project extends far beyond domestic competition in Italy’s LBA UnipolSai. The newly formed club successfully secured a wild card to debut in the BKT EuroCup. “There are some very strong teams. For a club making its debut, this is exactly the kind of challenge we want,” the Ljubljana native welcomed the competition.
The strategic vision also aligns with broader international movements, particularly the potential emergence of an NBA Europe ecosystem.
“I’m happy that the NBA wants to come to Europe. At the same time, I love the EuroLeague: I’ve seen it and played in it. There’s something special about the fan culture in Europe. I hope the two leagues can find a way to collaborate,” said the 27-year-old player turned executive, reflecting on these potential structural shifts.
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