The Italy Olympic Committee (CONI) has reached an agreement with the newly formed Roma Basket Club to use the Giulio Onesti Olympic Training Center at Acqua Acetosa as the franchise's primary training facility for its inaugural season. The club, co-owned by NBA star Luka Dončić and former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson, is set to debut in Serie A basketball during the 2026-27 season.
Why This Matters
• Rome returns to top-tier basketball after an extended absence from the professional ranks.
• Elite training infrastructure secured at a facility typically reserved for Olympic-level athletes, signaling serious ambition.
• NBA-Europe bridge as Dončić's investment reflects broader NBA interest in European basketball expansion.
The Training Base Deal
CONI president Luciano Buonfiglio, secretary general Carlo Mornati, and Olympic training center director Alessio Palombi finalized the partnership directly with Nelson and Rimantas Kaukenas, the club's newly appointed general manager, during a meeting at the facility on June 25, 2026. The arrangement grants Roma Basket Club access to one of Italy's premier athletic complexes, typically used to prepare national teams and Olympic athletes.
The choice reflects both practical necessity and symbolic weight. The franchise is leveraging state-backed infrastructure to establish credibility quickly. The Onesti center includes multiple regulation courts, strength and conditioning facilities, and sports science support—resources typically beyond the reach of newly promoted clubs.
Who Owns the Team
Luka Dončić, NBA star and co-owner of the franchise, partners with Donnie Nelson, who served as the Dallas Mavericks' general manager for over two decades. The pair acquired the rights to the former Vanoli Cremona club and relocated it to the capital. Dončić's involvement is strictly as an investor and brand ambassador, with focus on building a winning team that Rome can rally behind.
The Front Office
Rimantas Kaukenas, a retired Lithuanian guard with extensive Serie A experience, including stints with Mens Sana Siena and Pallacanestro Reggiana, has been named general manager. His appointment signals a focus on continuity and familiarity with Italian basketball infrastructure. Kaukenas is responsible for roster construction, coaching hires, and operational oversight as the club prepares for its debut.
The club's branding and public launch have been carefully staged to maximize media attention ahead of the season tip-off.
What This Means for Residents
For Rome's basketball community, the franchise represents a significant development for the city's sports landscape. The new franchise offers local fans a team to support and creates employment opportunities in coaching, operations, and event management.
Season ticket packages and ticket pricing have not yet been announced, but the club's ambitions suggest a focus on building the fan base. The use of a public training facility also indicates cost discipline in the franchise's operational approach.
For businesses and sponsors, the club presents a high-visibility marketing platform tied to Dončić's global profile. Local restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses near the Acqua Acetosa complex and whichever arena the club selects for home games stand to benefit from increased foot traffic on game days.
The Bigger Picture: NBA's European Ambitions
The Roma Basket Club launch is part of broader NBA interest in European basketball expansion and development of partnerships within the professional basketball landscape in Europe.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, the franchise faces real obstacles. Italian basketball operates under different economic and regulatory constraints, and the club will need to secure a suitable arena—Rome's existing facilities require careful evaluation and potential renovation.
There is also the need to ensure sustained investment and operational focus. Success will require not just international profile but also local market knowledge, disciplined financial management, and patience as the fan base rebuilds.
The CONI partnership is a positive first step, providing world-class infrastructure at favorable terms. Whether the club can convert that foundation into on-court success and financial stability will determine whether this represents genuine revival for Roman basketball.
