Naples is planning the construction of a striking new 15,000-seat arena, designed to be a premier venue for major basketball competitions like the EuroLeague or even NBA Europe. The arena’s design is inspired by the Vesuvius volcano, a fitting tribute to the region. This multi-purpose venue is slated to operate 365 days a year, accommodating up to 15,000 spectators for basketball games, suitable for FIBA-standard competitions and beyond. For other events such as concerts and conferences, its capacity can be extended to 18,000 people.
The arena aims to offer a premium fan experience, featuring three levels, a VIP club, a lounge, and dining options with panoramic views of the court, mirroring an American-style approach to sports and entertainment business. The project, put forth by Napoli Basketball, also includes adjacent community spaces, offices, retail areas, a museum, and a hotel.
“We are in discussions with the NBA and EuroLeague to take the next step,” stated Matt Rizzetta. “We are building a new arena, which should be ready within two to three years. We have just received approval. It will be among the ten most modern arenas in Europe. Naples has between 3 and 4 million inhabitants, so if Naples were an NBA franchise, we would be in the top half in terms of potential audience. There are 20 million Italian-Americans, and almost all of them are from Southern Italy and feel a connection to Naples. 15,000 people watched the NBA Finals live at 3 AM. Naples is a city passionate about sports.”
Naples’ ambition extends to the EuroLeague, and an application for a license has been submitted, alongside other clubs such as PAOK Thessaloniki, Besiktas, Hapoel Jerusalem, Bahçeşehir, and Zenit Saint Petersburg, who are not currently members.
