By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a tumultuous summer that saw LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne’s projected budget collapse from €59 million to €24 million, the French EuroLeague club is undergoing a massive restructuring both on and off the court. At the center of the organization’s plans are Joey and Jesse Buss.
As Eurohoops originally reported back in late May, the former Los Angeles Lakers owners emerged as potential key investors in the franchise. A recent update from BeBasket on Saturday revealed that these buyout negotiations are actively moving forward, positioning the American sports executives as the primary suitors looking to purchase the club.
While head coach Tony Parker manages a heavily depleted roster stripped of recent signings like Sylvain Francisco and Daniel Theis, he is simultaneously navigating deep discussions with the American brothers.
Initially, ASVEL shareholders hoped to finalize an agreement with the Buss family by the end of September. However, the complex nature of the acquisition has pushed the expected timeline back significantly, with a conclusion toward the end of 2026 now appearing much more likely.
The primary hurdle in the ongoing talks revolves around the club’s financial valuation. Several minority shareholders, who recently purchased stakes in anticipation of an upcoming NBA Europe initiative, originally sought a lucrative payout in the realm of €120 million. The reality of the current negotiations with the Buss brothers has lowered those expectations. The active price range under discussion has settled between €60 million and €80 million.
If finalized, the arrival of the Buss brothers could provide much-needed stability to a team currently scrambling to fill out its perimeter depth.
For now, Parker must wear multiple hats as he attempts to steady his coaching staff and prepare a revamped team for a demanding 2026–27 season in his first club campaign as head coach.
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