Man Utd set to create team in another league as | NBA News

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 take part in NBA Europe, a new league aiming to capitalise on the growing recognition of basketball exterior of America.

The initiative will see major European cities, including Manchester, internet hosting 10 or 12 founding franchises. In an interview with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Petrucci acknowledged: “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 business worth of just $200 million (£152m). An NBA league is exactly the chance to increase competitiveness and increase 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 start of the 2027/28 season. This news comes as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks extra income streams to enhance the membership’s funds.

Despite reporting document income last yr, the membership continues to lose money.

If the plans proceed, it will not be the first time that the membership has owned a basketball team. In the Nineteen Eighties, United’s basketball facet clinched a league championship and attracted crowds of around 1,500 at Stretford Sports Centre.

They competed against groups like Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, the franchise was short-lived.

In 1988, they have been bought by a group of local businessmen and rebranded as Manchester Eagles, later turning into Manchester Giants after merging with Olympic City Giants.

The current team, recognized as Manchester Basketball, was established in 2024, following the dissolution of British Basketball League’s Manchester Giants.