Manchester United have agreed to create a team in a new league, a move that could make the world’s second most valuable football club even richer.
Despite their struggles on the pitch in recent years, United remain one of the most commercially successful football clubs in the world.
In Forbes‘ annual list that was published back in May, they were listed as the second most valuable club at $6.6 billon (£4.9 billion), behind only Real Madrid.
For the Glazer family, who bought United for £790 million in 2005, the takeover has been a hugely lucrative business venture.
In February 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a 27.7% stake in the club in a deal worth around $1.6bn (£1.25bn).
The British billionaire also pledged significant investment to the infrastructure, with Carrington undergoing a £50 million redevelopment ahead of this season.
Ratcliffe has previously stated his ambition to turn Manchester United into the most profitable club in the world.
One way the club could achieve that goal may be through joining NBA Europe, a proposed basketball league that could launch in 2027.
Gianni Petrucci, president of the Italian Basketball Federation, has claimed that United have agreed to launch a team.
Speaking to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, he said: “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.
Petrucci added: “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 NBA is keen to capitalise on basketball’s growing popularity across Europe and have drafted initial plans for a competition on the continent.
The division is expected to feature either 10 or 12 permanent franchises within a 16-team league, making it a semi-open competition.
If NBA Europe was to grow into anything similar to the American league, it could become a highly lucrative move for Manchester United and their owners.
Forbes value Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors at an eye-watering $11 billion, making them the second most valuable sports team in the world behind the Dallas Cowboys.
LeBron James’ LA Lakers are not far behind at $10 billion.
Alongside the fortunes for owners, NBA players themselves are among the richest athletes in the world.
Curry is behind only Cristiano Ronaldo on the list of highest-paid athletes, while James and Kevin Durant also feature in the top 10.
It would also not be the first time that United have owned a basketball team.
According to The Mirror, the club had a team back in the 1980s that won a league championship and attracted crowds of around 1,500.
