Scariolo puts his stamp on the new BC Roma, with ambition and Luka Doncic

Sergio Scariolo is putting his stamp on the new BC Roma. The former Real Madrid, Unicaja, Tau Vitoria and Virtus Bologna coach is an adviser to the ambitious Roman project, presented on Tuesday in Rome, while Luka Doncic is among its investors.

The new club, created through Vanoli Cremona’s move to the Italian capital, will play its first game on Saturday against Universo Treviso Basket. Scariolo declined to comment on his recent departure from Real Madrid, choosing instead to highlight the development of BC Roma.

The Italian coach described the project as “interesting”, built “in a hurry” but with “ambitious ideas”. He also placed it in a medium- and long-term perspective, stressing the quality of the people involved. Although he still lives in Spain, Scariolo said he travels to Rome two days a week and contributes remotely every day.

On 14 September, the club unveiled its crest and visual identity, inspired by Rome’s history and architecture. At the centre of the emblem is the goddess Roma, drawn from depictions found on ancient Roman coins.

Alongside Doncic, Donnie Nelson is among the investors. Scariolo, a world champion with Spain in 2019, has also won four EuroBaskets, in 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2022, as well as European bronze in 2017, Olympic silver in London in 2012 and bronze in Rio in 2016.

BC Roma’s arrival comes six years after historic Virtus Roma withdrew from Serie A because of financial difficulties. The city in central Italy therefore regains a presence in the top division, in a new phase that also includes Maxima Roma, another club created in 2026.