By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In a significant career move, Tony Parker, the majority owner and president of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne since 2014, has confirmed his intention to transition into professional head coaching while simultaneously negotiating the sale of the French club. Driven by a visceral desire to return to the heart of the action, the four-time NBA champion told L’Equipe, “I miss being on the court,” signaling a shift from executive oversight to direct tactical responsibility.
At 43, the San Antonio Spurs legend is already scheduled to make his competitive coaching debut this summer, leading France’s U17 national team at the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkiye. However, his ambitions extend to the club level and perhaps taking the reins at ASVEL as early as next season, potentially succeeding current head coach Pierric Poupet. To prepare for this transition, Parker is currently pursuing his official coaching certification under the mentorship of former French national team coach Vincent Collet, who is rumored to be joining Parker’s future staff as a senior assistant.
Parallel to his coaching aspirations, Parker is securing the club’s long-term financial future. He revealed that he is in advanced negotiations to sell ASVEL to the highest bidder among four major American investment funds. Notably, these prospective buyers have expressed a desire for him to remain in a leadership capacity even after relinquishing his majority stake.
These strategic maneuvers coincide with his belief that a new NBA Europe league is inevitable. As part of the sale process, ASVEL will formally apply for a permanent license in this projected competition by March 2026, with a final decision expected by early summer.
In the 2025-26 club journey, the team coached by 41-year-old Poupet sits at the bottom of the EuroLeague standings with a 7–21 record, while maintaining a fifth-place position in France’s Betclic Elite.