# Formation and development of Roma SPQR basketball club

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/formation-and-development-of-roma-spqr-basketball-club
> Updated: 2026-10-16T10:10:16.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The newly formed Italian basketball club Roma SPQR, which acquired its license from Cremona, has begun assembling its roster and establishing its operational framework. Early developments included the signing of former Crvena zvezda player Marko Simonović, who noted the club’s rapid assembly and ambitions to compete in the Italian league and the EuroCup.

General manager and managing partner Donnie Nelson has since detailed the project’s long-term strategic goals, which include potential involvement in an NBA Europe expansion. While the club is committed to remaining in Rome, management is evaluating permanent arena upgrades at locations such as PalaEUR or Foro Italico. The club is currently competing in the 2026–27 BKT EuroCup and Italy’s Serie A, with investment support from NBA star Luka Dončić.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Donnie Nelson details Roma basketball plans and Luka Doncic involvement

Donnie Nelson and Luka Doncic are spearheading a new basketball project in Rome, aiming for long-term stability and potential participation in an NBA Europe expansion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donnie-nelson-details-roma-basketball-plans-and-luka-doncic-involvement

### 2026-09-26: Luka Dončić-backed Roma SPQR signs Marko Simonović

Marko Simonović has joined Roma SPQR, a new Italian basketball club supported by Luka Dončić, to compete in the Italian league and EuroCup.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-doni-backed-roma-spqr-signs-marko-simonovi

---
Cite as: Formation and development of Roma SPQR basketball club. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/formation-and-development-of-roma-spqr-basketball-club