GdS: Cardinale in talks with the NBA over Milan-based basketball franchise – the details

Gerry Cardinale, owner of AC Milan via RedBird Capital, is in discussions with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver regarding the potential creation of an NBA-linked basketball league in Europe. While it's early stage, the idea involves RedBird, suggesting AC Milan could be connected to a future basketball team, described as potentially having "a little brother who plays basketball". This aligns with Cardinale's previously stated interest in owning multiple sports franchises for strategic benefits and synergies.

The NBA is actively exploring the establishment of a European league as an alternative to the NBA. High-level talks have occurred, including a meeting between Silver, NBA executives, and representatives of Real Madrid in Paris. Real Madrid and Barcelona are considered key clubs for this project, especially as their existing contracts with the Euroleague expire in 2026, freeing them to join other competitions.

Potential franchise locations discussed by journalist Bill Simmons include major European cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Istanbul, and Berlin. Regarding Milan, Simmons noted the city's existing basketball team, Olimpia Milano, has a long-term Euroleague contract. However, he suggested AC Milan, owned by RedBird without a current basketball team, is "essentially in favour" and should be considered involved in the project somehow.

The project is described as large, complex, and long-term, but also extremely serious, evidenced by the NBA hiring JP Morgan as an advisor. Cardinale's connections to top-level American sports (like the New York Yankees) and his relationship with LeBron James are noted; James became a passive investor in AC Milan via a fund that supported RedBird's acquisition. Rumours also link similar concepts to other soccer clubs like PSG and Manchester City, with the story expected to develop further.