In a landmark move that signals a major strategic shift, Manchester United have reportedly agreed to launch a professional basketball team as a founding member of a new NBA Europe division.
A New Frontier in European Sport
The stunning plan, revealed by Italian Basketball Federation President Gianni Petrucci, will see the Red Devils enter a league comprising 10 or 12 founding franchises based in major European cities, including Manchester. This ambitious initiative is designed to capitalise on basketball's rapidly growing popularity across Europe and tap into a global sports market valued at a staggering $50 billion (£37.9bn).
Petrucci told Italian publication Corriere dello Sport that the new league will be a boon for the sport, bringing fresh resources and entertainment. He emphasised a key condition of the agreement, stating, "The agreement also notes that registered clubs must participate in their respective domestic leagues."
Boosting Competitiveness and Revenue
The financial logic behind the venture is compelling. Petrucci highlighted the vast disparity in the market, noting, "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." He pointed to Manchester United's global appeal as a critical endorsement, adding, "If Manchester United, the most popular football team in the world, has already said yes, there must be a reason."
This foray into a new sporting domain aligns perfectly with the financial strategy of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is actively seeking new revenue streams to strengthen the club's financial footing after a period of recorded losses.
A Return to Hardwood Roots
If the plans proceed, it will actually mark a return to basketball for the Manchester club. This venture is not entirely without precedent. In the 1980s, Manchester United operated a basketball team that famously won a league championship and attracted crowds of approximately 1,500 fans to the Stretford Sports Centre.
That team competed against European giants like Barcelona and Real Madrid before being sold to local businessmen in 1988. The franchise was subsequently rebranded, eventually becoming the Manchester Giants. The current incarnation, Manchester Basketball, was formed in 2024.
The potential kick-off for this new chapter in transatlantic sports is currently slated for the beginning of the 2027/28 season, setting the stage for a significant expansion of the Manchester United brand.
