Manchester United reportedly launching NBA team

One of the biggest clubs in Europe will reportedly venture into basketball, as Manchester United is planning to launch a team in the NBA’s European league in 2027.

Other major European cities, such as London, Rome, and Paris, are also on the cards to join the league, which many predict will include 10 to 12 founding franchises.

Italian Basketball Federation president Gianni Petrucci has confirmed the Red Devils’ interest in the project, citing an untapped basketball market in Europe.

“In a $50 billion (£37.9bn) market, European basketball has a commercial value of just $200 million (£152m). An NBA league is precisely the opportunity to increase competitiveness and expand the pool,” Petrucci told Corriere dello Sport.

“If Manchester United, the most popular football team in the world, has already said yes, there must be a reason,” he added.

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BREAKING:

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has approved a Manchester United basketball team joining NBA Europe! A 15k-seat arena will be built next to the new stadium.

With Real Madrid, Barcelona, Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, Real Betis & more on board.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/jTDRNnhEGq

— Manutd Addicts (@Manutd_addicts) November 19, 2025

The revelation comes after club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said in September that he aims to find more revenue streams after United continued to lose money even after posting a record revenue in club finances last year.

For Manchester and other big European clubs, a chance to break into a growing basketball market will help them expand into a new sport and grow their respective clubs at the same time.

“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,” Petrucci added.

This won’t be the first time Manchester has had a basketball club. In the 1980s, Manchester United faced other European clubs and won the basketball league championship at the Stretford Sports Centre.

The club was bought out in 1988 and has been playing as Manchester Basketball since 2024.

No details have yet to emerge in the NBA’s European league, but reports have said that the league is planned to be established in the 2027-2028 season.

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