Manchester United are reportedly set to launch a basketball team, according to the President of the Italian Basketball Federation, Gianni Petrucci. He claims that the Red Devils have agreed to participate in NBA Europe, a new league aiming to capitalise on the growing popularity of basketball outside of America.
The initiative will see major European cities, including Manchester, hosting 10 or 12 founding franchises. In an interview with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Petrucci stated: “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.
“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.
“If Manchester United, the most popular football team in the world, has already said yes, there must be a reason.”
The proposed launch date for NBA Europe is at the beginning of the 2027/28 season. This news comes as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks additional revenue streams to boost the club’s finances.
Despite reporting record revenue last year, the club continues to lose money.
If the plans proceed, it won’t be the first time that the club has owned a basketball team. In the 1980s, United’s basketball side clinched a league championship and attracted crowds of around 1,500 at Stretford Sports Centre.
They competed against teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, the franchise was short-lived.
In 1988, they were purchased by a group of local businessmen and rebranded as Manchester Eagles, later becoming Manchester Giants after merging with Olympic City Giants.
The current team, known as Manchester Basketball, was established in 2024, following the dissolution of British Basketball League’s Manchester Giants.