Buss Brothers Eye NBA Europe and Padres

New Ownership Moves After Lakers Exit

Joey and Jesse Buss, the youngest sons of former Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, have filed multiple bids for NBA Europe franchises through their new venture, Buss Sports Capital. Their interest extends to the San Diego Padres, where they are reportedly courting a minority stake in the club’s $3.9 billion sale to José Feliciano and Kwanza Jones. The brothers were removed from executive roles after the Lakers were sold to Mark Walter in a record $10 billion deal approved last fall.

Despite stepping down from day‑to‑day operations, Joey and Jesse remain minority owners of the Lakers. Jeanie Buss, the family’s eldest daughter, continues as the team’s governor for at least the next few years. The family’s shift toward new leagues highlights a broader trend of former NBA insiders exploring expansion opportunities beyond the traditional market.

NBA Europe: Scope and Timeline

NBA Europe, a partnership with FIBA, is slated to launch in October 2027. The concept envisions a 16‑team circuit with 12 permanent cities: Rome, Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, Athens, and Istanbul. Four additional clubs would rotate into the league each season, adding a dynamic competition element.

Joey and Jesse Buss are targeting several of those markets, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, focusing on London, Manchester, and Lyon. Their interest aligns with a growing pool of investors eyeing the new league, which could reshape global basketball economics.

Commissioner Adam Silver indicated in Las Vegas that the league will evaluate bids in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a competitive selection process. NBA Europe’s success could open fresh revenue streams for both the NBA and participating cities.

Potential Partnership with Luka Dončić

There is also talk of a possible alliance with Lakers star Luka Dončić and former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson. Nelson’s group, which includes Dončić, acquired Vanoli Cremona in Italy’s top league and is relocating the club to Rome. That move positions the team as a potential representative for the Italian capital in the upcoming NBA Europe showcase.

If NBA Europe materializes, the Dončić‑Nelson venture could fill one of the league’s coveted spots, creating a notable crossover between NBA talent and European basketball ownership. The brothers’ separate bid for NBA Europe suggests a competitive field that may see multiple investors targeting the same markets.

Buss Brothers Eye NBA Europe and Padres

New Ownership Moves After Lakers Exit

Joey and Jesse Buss, the youngest sons of former Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, have placed multiple bids for NBA Europe franchises via their new entity, Buss Sports Capital. Their interest now stretches to the San Diego Padres, where they are reportedly courting a minority stake in the club’s $3.9 billion sale to José Feliciano and Kwanza Jones. The brothers were relieved of front‑office duties after the Lakers were sold to Mark Walter in a record $10 billion deal approved last fall.

Despite stepping down from daily operations, Joey and Jesse remain minority owners of the Lakers. Jeanie Buss, the family’s oldest daughter, continues as the team’s governor for at least the next few years. Their pivot toward new leagues underscores a broader trend of former NBA insiders exploring expansion beyond traditional markets.

NBA Europe: Scope and Timeline

NBA Europe, a partnership with FIBA, is set to debut in October 2027. The league envisions a 16‑team structure with 12 permanent cities: Rome, Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Munich, Berlin, Athens, and Istanbul. Four additional clubs would rotate into the league each season, adding a dynamic competition element.

Joey and Jesse Buss are targeting several of those markets, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, with a focus on London, Manchester, and Lyon. Their interest aligns with a growing pool of investors eyeing the new league, which could reshape global basketball economics. Commissioner Adam Silver said the league will evaluate bids in the coming weeks, signaling an imminent selection process.

Potential Partnership with Luka Dončić

There is also talk of a possible alliance with Lakers star Luka Dončić and former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson. Nelson’s group, which includes Dončić, acquired Vanoli Cremona in Italy’s top league and is relocating the club to Rome. That move positions the team as a potential representative for the Italian capital in the upcoming NBA Europe showcase.

Should NBA Europe launch, the Dončić‑Nelson venture could claim one of the league’s prized spots, creating a notable crossover between NBA talent and European basketball ownership. The brothers’ separate bid for NBA Europe highlights a competitive field where multiple investors are eyeing the same emerging markets.