RedBird and AC Milan Move to Frontrunner Status in NBA Europe Race with Binding Offer

FolioPitch.com – 05 July 2026 | In a significant development that could reshape the European basketball landscape, reports from Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that GdS RedBird and Milan in pole position for NBA Europe after submitting offer earlier this week. The binding bid, submitted by RedBird Capital in partnership with Pallacanestro Varese, positions the Milanese consortium as the leading candidate to host one of the inaugural franchises in the NBA’s ambitious European league project.

The submission of a binding offer marks a critical milestone in the NBA’s plan to launch a professional league in Europe by fall 2027. While previous rounds were non-binding, Monday’s deadline required concrete commitments, and RedBird, led by Gerry Cardinale, did not hesitate. The move underscores the strong relationship between Cardinale and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who attended RedBird’s general meeting in New York last October. With GdS RedBird and Milan in pole position for NBA Europe after submitting offer, the project now appears closer to reality than ever.

The plan involves creating a new basketball team distinct from AC Milan‘s historic brand. Rather than naming it “AC Milan basketball,” the franchise will have an original identity, possibly inspired by the “Lombardy Lakers” concept floated by former Pallacanestro Varese president Edoardo Bulgheroni in the 1990s. The team would play domestic league games in Varese, while NBA Europe matches would be hosted at a new arena in San Donato, where Cardinale is already pursuing a stadium project for AC Milan.

The leveraging of GdS RedBird and Milan in pole position for NBA Europe after submitting offer is not just about basketball; it reflects a broader strategic vision. Cardinale’s swift action contrasts with that of Oaktree Capital, the fund that owns Inter Milan, which has been slower to engage. A defining moment came on January 19, 2026, when Cardinale and advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic were invited by the NBA to speak at a London meeting of 250 potential franchise owners. That public endorsement significantly boosted RedBird’s credibility.

The financial commitment is immense. The cost of joining NBA Europe is estimated between €250 million and €500 million, while building the San Donato arena could add another €400 million. Yet, with GdS RedBird and Milan in pole position for NBA Europe after submitting offer, the investment appears justified by the potential returns and prestige of being part of the NBA’s first European expansion.

In conclusion, RedBird’s binding offer and the strong backing from the NBA position the Milan franchise as a frontrunner in the race to bring professional basketball to Europe. The partnership with Pallacanestro Varese, the San Donato arena project, and the momentum from key meetings all suggest that this endeavor is not just a rumor but a strategic move with high probability of success. As the NBA’s 2027 launch target approaches, all eyes will be on Milan and RedBird to see if they can secure the franchise and transform European basketball.