The Buss family is looking to make a new mark in professional basketball, this time on the European stage.
According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, Joey and Jesse Buss are actively pursuing opportunities to become part of NBA Europe through their investment company Buss Sports Capital, with the goal of acquiring stakes in future franchises.
Former Lakers executives looking for a new basketball chapter
The move represents a major shift for the youngest sons of the late Jerry Buss, the legendary owner who built the Los Angeles Lakers into one of the NBA’s most successful franchises.
After losing their executive positions within the Lakers organization, Joey and Jesse Buss founded Buss Sports Capital as a way to continue investing in professional sports.
Joey Buss previously served as CEO and president of the South Bay Lakers, while Jesse Buss worked as the Lakers’ director of scouting. Both remained minority shareholders after the family sold the franchise to financier Mark Walter in a historic deal valued at $10 billion.
Now, the brothers are exploring opportunities outside the NBA and have identified Europe as a potential destination for their next major basketball project.
McMenamin: Joey and Jesse Buss making an "aggressive pursuit" to become part of an ownership group in NBA Europe league.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) July 15, 2026
France and Asvel connection among potential opportunities
The Buss family’s interest in European basketball has been linked for months with possible involvement in Asvel, a club led by former NBA star Tony Parker.
Their relationship with Parker is considered one of the reasons why France has become one of the markets of interest for Buss Sports Capital, with Asvel representing one of the most recognizable basketball organizations in the country.
While no agreement has been finalized, the connection could provide a strong foundation for future cooperation as NBA Europe continues to take shape.
NBA Europe preparing for 2027 launch
NBA Europe is expected to feature teams from several major European cities, with projects reportedly being considered in places such as London, Manchester and Lyon.
The NBA and FIBA are currently working through the final stages of evaluating potential ownership groups before the planned launch of the competition for the 2027/28 season.
The Buss family is not the only high-profile name connected with a potential franchise. Another reported project could involve a Rome-based team, with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic and former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson linked to the initiative.
As interest in NBA Europe continues to grow, the involvement of established basketball figures and investors suggests that the new competition could attract some of the biggest names from the sport.
