The world of sports is witnessing an intriguing convergence of global ambitions. At its heart lies a compelling narrative involving the owner of AC Milan, the formidable National Basketball Association, and the tantalizing prospect of a new basketball league rooted in the heart of Europe. Is Milan truly on the cusp of welcoming an NBA “sibling”? Let`s unpack the strategic maneuvers behind this potential paradigm shift.
Gerry Cardinale`s Vision: Beyond the Pitch
Gerry Cardinale, the astute founder of RedBird Capital Partners and current proprietor of AC Milan, isn`t just a casual observer in this high-stakes game. He`s a central figure in discussions with none other than NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Their dialogue revolves around a fascinating concept: establishing a new basketball league in Europe, potentially under the vast umbrella of the NBA.
For Cardinale, this isn`t a deviation but an extension of a long-held strategic philosophy. He`s a vocal proponent of multi-sport ownership, believing that a portfolio of diverse clubs across different sports can unlock significant strategic benefits through synergy. As he articulated back in 2022 at the “Invest in Sports” conference, “A property with different clubs in different sports is interesting; I believe that this way you can have strategic benefits. Through synergies, you can grow.” This vision paints a clear picture: a basketball franchise in Milan, potentially linked to AC Milan, aligns perfectly with RedBird`s overarching playbook.
The NBA`s European Ambition: A Strategic Chessboard
The notion of an NBA-backed European league is far from a mere speculative fantasy; it`s a meticulously planned initiative. Reports from publications like The Athletic confirm that Commissioner Silver and high-ranking NBA executives have already engaged with key European clubs, including Real Madrid, to discuss this grand design. The timing is particularly opportune, with Real Madrid and Barcelona`s EuroLeague contracts set to expire in 2026, freeing them to explore new affiliations.
The proposed league isn`t just about a single city; it’s a continental play. While Milan is certainly a focal point, the NBA`s internal analyses, as echoed by influential American sports journalist Bill Simmons, consider an array of major European metropolises: Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Istanbul, and Berlin are all on the potential roster. The scale of this undertaking demands serious backing, which is why the NBA has wisely enlisted the financial might and strategic counsel of JP Morgan as an advisor, a detail first revealed by the Financial Times.
Milan: A Strategic Hub with a “Sibling” in Mind?
So, where does Milan fit into this intricate mosaic? Despite the city already boasting Olimpia Milano, a prominent EuroLeague team with a decade-long commitment to the existing European basketball structure, the interest in a Milanese NBA-aligned team remains strong. Bill Simmons notably remarked that AC Milan, under RedBird`s ownership, is “substantially in favor” of this new venture. The logic is compelling: unlike Olimpia, AC Milan doesn`t currently have a basketball counterpart, making it a fertile ground for a new franchise to blossom under a unified sports ownership model.
Cardinale`s existing network further bolsters Milan`s position. His extensive relationships within American sports, including ties to the New York Yankees, underscore his comfort and capability in navigating the transatlantic sports landscape. Furthermore, the connection to basketball royalty, LeBron James, adds another layer of intrigue. James, through his investment in Main Street Advisors, became a passive investor in AC Milan during RedBird`s acquisition, highlighting the interwoven interests at play.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the vision is ambitious and the players are formidable, the path to an NBA Europe league is undoubtedly complex and lengthy. Integrating a new league into a rich and established European basketball ecosystem, with its existing clubs, fan bases, and competitive structures, will require careful negotiation and strategic acumen. The murmurs of other football giants, like PSG and Manchester City, potentially joining this multi-sport ownership trend only add to the strategic complexity and competitive landscape.
Ultimately, the serious commitment from figures like Adam Silver and Gerry Cardinale, coupled with the strategic involvement of financial powerhouses, signals that this is far more than a fleeting idea. It`s a seismic shift in the global sports landscape that promises to reshape basketball in Europe. As the saying goes, “we will hear about this story again” – and with good reason. The grand European adventure of the NBA is just beginning, and Milan stands ready, perhaps, to welcome its new, rather tall, sibling.
