Gerry Cardinale, a key figure in the potential NBA European expansion.
The Architect of Ambition: Gerry Cardinale`s Vision
Gerry Cardinale, a name synonymous with high-stakes investments in the sports and entertainment sectors, is not merely a passive spectator in this unfolding narrative. As the proprietor of AC Milan through RedBird Capital, Cardinale is reportedly a primary interlocutor with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. This engagement aligns perfectly with Cardinale`s long-standing philosophy: the strategic advantage of owning multiple sports franchises across different disciplines. His belief, articulated back in 2022 at a Sportico conference, posits that such diversification creates “strategic benefits” and fosters growth through inherent synergies. In essence, he envisions a sports empire where different teams, perhaps in different sports, can leverage shared resources, marketing, and fan bases. Could AC Milan, a football giant, soon have a basketball “sibling” in the same city, managed under the same umbrella? The prospect is certainly intriguing, if not a tad audacious.
The NBA`s European Gambit: A Serious Proposition
It appears even basketball, a sport already brimming with professional leagues, might soon welcome another – one with the distinct aroma of American high-stakes enterprise. The NBA`s exploration of a European league is far from a casual inquiry. Reports from sources like The Athletic indicate that Commissioner Silver and high-ranking NBA executives have already engaged with European powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona in Paris. These discussions are particularly timely given that the EuroLeague contracts for these Spanish giants are set to expire in 2026, offering them a clear path to explore alternative affiliations.
Adding weight to the proposition, esteemed American sports journalist Bill Simmons, with his significant X (formerly Twitter) following, has publicly discussed the initiative. He has even floated potential franchise cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Istanbul, Berlin. When Milan entered the conversation, Simmons` assessment was notably direct: “Milan is substantially in favor. It is owned by RedBird and does not have a linked basketball team. Olimpia, the basketball team in Milan, has renewed for 10 years with the EuroLeague. Consider Milan in, somehow.” This suggests a strong, almost predetermined, position for the city in the NBA`s European calculus.
Milan`s Unique Appeal and High-Profile Connections
Why Milan? Beyond Cardinale`s direct involvement, the city represents a significant European market with a rich sporting heritage. The idea of an NBA-affiliated team directly tied to AC Milan, rather than the established Olimpia Milano, suggests a novel approach to market entry – leveraging existing football loyalties for basketball`s benefit. This isn`t Cardinale`s first rodeo in high-level American sports; his ties with the New York Yankees are well-documented, indicating a familiarity with the nuances of large-scale sports business across continents.
Further adding to the allure, and perhaps a dash of star power, is the indirect involvement of LeBron James. A man whose portfolio seemingly expands faster than a three-point lead in the final minute, James became a passive investor in AC Milan during RedBird`s acquisition of the club. His investment flowed through Main Street Advisors, a Los Angeles-based fund that supported RedBird. While James might not be directly scouting European talent for a Milan franchise, his indirect financial footprint adds a layer of prestige and visibility to RedBird`s sporting ambitions. The project is certainly ambitious, with JP Morgan even brought in as an advisor, underscoring the serious financial and logistical planning underway. Commissioner Silver has even engaged with political figures, meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss London`s potential as a host city.
The Long Road Ahead, Yet a Clear Direction
While the vision for an NBA European league, complete with a Milan franchise, is compelling, the path forward remains complex and undoubtedly lengthy. Establishing a professional sports league on a new continent involves intricate negotiations, significant infrastructure development, and navigating existing sporting ecosystems. History offers cautionary tales, with previous American league expansions into Europe (like NFL Europe) facing their share of challenges.
However, the momentum behind this particular initiative seems different, driven by significant financial backing, strategic foresight from figures like Cardinale, and the NBA`s undeniable global brand power. Discussions are not merely hypothetical; they are occurring at the highest levels of sports and finance, with whispers of connections to other football giants like PSG and Manchester City further illustrating the potential scale. One certainty remains amidst all the speculation: the conversation about an NBA presence in Europe, and specifically in Milan, is only just beginning. The hardwood horizon is certainly worth watching.
Murray Blackwood