Manchester United continue to look for ways to stretch their global reach, and a new report suggests the club may attempt something unprecedented in English football. Gianni Petrucci, President of the Italian Basketball Federation, told Corriere dello Sport that United agreed to participate in the upcoming NBA Europe initiative, per Goal. The project aims to build at least ten new franchises across major European cities as the NBA attempts to place a stronger foothold outside the United States.
Petrucci presented the move as a significant moment for European basketball, calling the initiative a chance to raise commercial value. He said the market generates about two hundred million dollars today, while the NBA ecosystem holds a valuation of fifty billion dollars. Petrucci pointed to United’s reported commitment as evidence of the project’s appeal. He said that a club with United’s worldwide reach does not say yes without seeing clear opportunity.
The comments surfaced while United continue to target additional revenue streams. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has pushed for more aggressive commercial growth throughout the organization after the club posted record revenues last year.
Record Revenues Drive Ratcliffe’s Expansion Push
United generated six hundred sixty five point five million pounds last year, which translated to eight hundred seventy seven million dollars. The financial high came during a season that included a fifteenth place league finish and a Europa League final loss to Tottenham. The club’s poor run denied them a spot in European competition for the 2025 to 2026 season. Even so, commercial growth surged during United’s first year with Snapdragon as the front-of-shirt sponsor. That partnership delivered three hundred thirty three point three million pounds in commercial revenue. Matchday figures also climbed to one hundred sixty point three million pounds.
Chief executive Omar Berrada pointed to that performance as proof of the club’s resilience. He said the organization showed strength during a difficult season and reaffirmed its commitment to improvement. The financial results also gave United room to spend on new signings. The club brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens as part of its rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
Ratcliffe continues to search for projects that extend United’s commercial strength. Basketball sits near the top of those priorities according to the latest reports. NBA Europe would give United a path to reach new fans, push merchandise into fresh markets and build another revenue source inside an already powerful brand. The club’s valuation sits at six point six billion dollars according to Forbes. Only Real Madrid currently holds a higher valuation.
Plans also continue for a major redevelopment project around Old Trafford. Land valuations and design proposals remain in progress, but the club sees a modern arena as another opportunity to broaden its revenue base. Contemporary stadium builds often support concerts, boxing events and global showcases in addition to football. Tottenham Hotspur offered an example of that strategy when it hosted the recent fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank.
How The NBA Benefits
The NBA also stands to gain from United’s involvement, per Insider Sport. Football clubs with massive followings offer immediate brand recognition in markets where basketball still fights for mainstream acceptance. Aivazoglou, an NBA Europe executive, has previously described partnerships of this nature as shortcuts to audience expansion.
European football clubs have embraced basketball before. Real Madrid and Barcelona compete at elite levels in Liga ACB and EuroLeague. Bayern Munich operate a thriving basketball division in Germany. Turkish powers Fenerbahçe and Greek giants Olympiacos and Panathinaikos also maintain top tier teams. United would join that group if the reported agreement moves forward.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Man United Exploring Stunning NBA Move, per New Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.