 "Manchester United could have a new team by October 2027 if everything goes as per plans. Image: Reuters")
Manchester United, one of the world’s most popular football clubs, could soon have a new team in a new league. This new Manchester United team, however, would not be playing football as the Red Devils are targeting a new sport.
As per the President of the Italian Basketball Federation, Gianni Petrucci, Man United are interested in having a team in the NBA Europe. The NBA, in association with global body FIBA, is working on a plan to have a 16-team Europe-based basketball league to capture the popularity of basketball in the European market.
The NBA is hoping to launch the league in October 2027, which would comprise 12 permanent franchises, possibly across Britain (London and Manchester), France (Paris and Lyon), Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), Italy (Rome and Milan), Germany (Munich and Berlin), Greece (Athens) and Turkey (Istanbul). The remaining four teams would be picked from FIBA’s Basketball Champions League or opt for domestic leagues in Europe.
Man United eye basketball fortune
Now, the Italian Basketball Federation, Petrucci, has confirmed that Man United are interested in having a team in the NBA Europe league. Petrucci added that Manchester United’s interest in the basketball league only highlights the potential the sport holds in Europe.
“It’s a new league that will be good for the system, bringing resources and entertainment. The agreement also notes that registered clubs must participate in their respective domestic leagues,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“In a $50 billion (£37.9bn) market, European basketball has a commercial value of just $200 million (£152m),” he added.
“An NBA league is precisely the opportunity to increase competitiveness and expand the pool.”
“If Manchester United, the most popular football team in the world, has already said yes, there must be a reason.”
The Red Devils are yet to announce anything officially, but they have had a basketball team in the past. Manchester United owned a basketball team in the 1980s, but it was sold in 1988.