By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has confirmed plans to build a 20,000-seat arena in the San Donato comune, aiming to secure a future NBA franchise in Italy’s financial capital.
Speaking to La Repubblica on Thursday, 59-year-old Cardinale discussed several topics about the football-soccer giant and revisited his ambitions for NBA Europe, providing an update regarding a new basketball venue.
“Everything is set to break ground on a 20,000-seat NBA Europe arena,” he mentioned, emphasizing his desire to secure a permanent slot in the continental market. “We want to be there with a franchise in Milan.”
The RedBird Capital Partners founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer wants to bridge European football and basketball under the NBA umbrella, viewing entertainment as the engine needed to elevate AC Milan’s global brand.
This project arrives during a pivotal shift. The proposed NBA Europe league is projected to launch for the 2027–28 winter schedule. The blueprint outlines a 16-team tournament featuring 12 permanent members, with Milan positioned as a frontrunner, alongside four merit-based qualifiers drawing from the Basketball Champions League and a season-ending tournament directly linked to domestic leagues across the Old Continent.
These ambitions have combined with negotiations between the NBA and Euroleague Basketball. Talks are currently at a critical crossroads, with a clear divide remaining.
The European expansion plans are moving forward, with the league based in North America prepared to advance independently, if necessary, looking to capture major markets.
If the involved parties fail to find common ground, the sport faces fragmentation.
Make 
Your Preferred Basketball Source.
Add Eurohoops to Google