Former Lakers owners Joey and Jesse Buss are bidding on NBA Europe franchises in London, Manchester, and Lyon through Buss Sports Capital. The NBA’s expansion project has attracted over 120 proposals, with the 12-team league aiming to integrate European clubs and permanent franchises.
Former Los Angeles Lakers owners Joey and Jesse Buss are reportedly pursuing NBA Europe franchises in multiple markets, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
Their business venture, Buss Sports Capital, have placed multiple bids on potential franchises in London, Manchester and Lyon. The report also revealed that the venture by Luka Doncic and Donnie Nelson Jr. in Rome could be a possibility.
The youngest sons of former Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss have been looking to come back into significant ownership in professional sports after selling their majority stake of the Lakers last summer. They remain minority owners of the legendary team since the sale.
Adam Silver: NBA Europe on track amid looming meetings with interested bidders
First introduced in 2025, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA announced their plans to expand into Europe with a new league. The project has generated significant interest, receiving more than 120 non-binding proposals, including bids from several investment groups valuing franchises at over $1 billion.
More than 20 basketball and football clubs across the NBA’s 12 targeted cities have expressed interest, with several existing EuroLeague teams among those exploring the opportunity.
The league is set to include 12 permanent teams and four seasonal qualifiers from domestic leagues and FIBA competitions.
The NBA recently brought in former Lithuanian star and longtime league executive Arturas Karnisovas as a consultant for the NBA Europe project.
The former Chicago Bulls vice president will advise Silver and league officials on several key areas, including governance, game rules, talent identification and recruitment, and player development pathways between NBA Europe and the NBA.
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