By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A bold new era in Rome, supported by Donnie Nelson.
Talking to local newspapers, Roma’s general manager and managing partner revealed the ambitions and origin story of the club’s relocation from Vanoli Cremona.
“After a bit too much vodka, we met with Rimantas Kaukenas,” he recalled in his interview posted Friday, describing how the project was sparked in Lithuania by 49-year-old Kaukenas.
The vision was soon pitched to NBA superstar Luka Doncic. “Luka immediately appreciated the idea and wanted to invest his own money,” noted 64-year-old Nelson. “He’s enthusiastic about it.”
The newly established group is focused on creating a deep community connection. While an NBA expansion in Europe, widely referred to as NBA Europe, remains an option for the future at the continental level, the former Dallas Mavericks executive assured that long-term roots are secure.
“We want to play in NBA Europe, but if we don’t make it, we won’t run away,” he stressed.
“I don’t know if the market would be able to support two major leagues,” he added, referring to fragmentation if negotiations fail between Euroleague Basketball and the NBA.
Management is open to ongoing discussions with AS Roma’s and is currently exploring permanent arena upgrades at the PalaEUR or Foro Italico. Nelson also embraced sharing the city with fellow new Rome club, Maxima Roma, vowing to win over fans ‘door to door if necessary’.
The team, initially known as Roma SPQR, has started its maiden continental campaign with a 2–1 record in Group D of the 2026–27 BKT EuroCup Regular Season, while holding a 1–2 record in Italy’s Serie A SisalClub Regular Season.
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