Racing into 2026: Cortina’s Olympic Rebuild, Totti’s Moscow Debate, and Europe’s Growing Sports Market - 26.3.2025

Francesco Totti is reconsidering his attendance at a Moscow gala hosted by a Russian sports betting platform due to criticisms that it may imply support for Russia's political position, as reported by Sky Sports. This reflects a broader trend of increased investments in European sports, highlighting their growing commercial appeal. In Italy, athletes are testing the newly renovated Eugenio Monti sliding centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which will host bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge events for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This €118 million facility has attracted about 60 athletes from Italy and 11 other nations for pre-homologation tests. In a strategic partnership, Leonardo, the Italian aerospace and defense company, will provide vital communication systems for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to official announcements from the Olympic Committee. Meanwhile, NBA team owners are considering launching a European basketball league featuring 8 to 10 teams, which may include established EuroLeague clubs and franchises from major cities like London and Paris. This initiative is part of ongoing talks with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to embed this new league into the existing basketball framework, as noted by ESPN. The European sports sponsorship market is thriving, with projections estimating its value at €23.41 billion in 2024. The NBA anticipates that basketball markets in Europe and the Middle East could generate up to $3 billion, with individual franchise values around $500 million. While the Eugenio Monti track is set, further development is needed around the facility, and Lake Placid, New York, has been identified as a potential backup location, as reported by the Associated Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices