ASVEL has officially submitted a letter of intent to the NBA, expressing its strong desire to join the forthcoming NBA Europe league, which is projected to launch in the autumn of 2027. Reports indicate that Tony Parker, widely expected to succeed Pierric Poupet as head coach, is in the process of assembling a formidable team around him. This proposed staff could include current sports director Michel Veyronnet, along with Jo Gomis, Antoine Chevrier, Karim Atamna, Dounia Issa (who recently activated her exit clause from Vichy), Old Lo (an assistant at Gravelines), and Bryan George. There’s also speculation about the potential involvement of seasoned figures like Vincent Collet, Edwin Jackson, Florent Pietrus, and Charles Kahudi. Adding to the intrigue, the possibility of veteran player David Lighty continuing on the court is also under discussion.
“Could I continue? Yes, we’re discussing it, but there are many unknowns. At ASVEL? I hope so. And coming full circle with NBA Europe would be incredible!”
Coach Pierric Poupet, reflecting on a key player (presumably Lighty), shared, “When I arrived, we won the title, and I found him exceptional on a human level. People don’t realize how good a person he is and how much he helps the team.”
However, the path forward for Tony Parker and the Villeurbanne club isn’t without its complexities. While a significant American investment fund was observed at the LDLC Arena on February 6th during an ASVEL-Milan match, two other potential investors have reportedly withdrawn their interest, indicating the challenges involved. Despite this, the club recently secured a capital increase of 21 million euros. Furthermore, sources suggest that the “Tony Parker Adéquat Academy” might undergo a significant change, becoming exclusively reserved for professional players and the club’s training center starting next season.
