Luka Dončić’s European club ownership bid stalls pending NBA approval

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić moved toward owning Italy’s Vanoli Cremona to launch a future NBA Europe franchise, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league has not yet ruled on player ownership of overseas clubs. Dončić envisions establishing a team in Rome to accelerate basketball’s global expansion and tap a new market.

Silver explained that the NBA must first clarify rules to protect league integrity and avoid conflicts of interest for active players. The regulatory uncertainty puts Dončić’s timeline and potential partnership at risk.

Meanwhile, Lakers officials back the star’s long‑term vision, seeing it as a boost to the NBA’s international growth strategy.