The NBA announced in January that the league has expansion plans, in partnership with FIBA, to introduce a new league in Europe as early as 2027. It has already began to draw interest from investors who want in on the new league.

An investment group backed by Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki have plans to buy an Italian basketball team with hopes of joining the NBA-European league, according to The Athletic.