The Ballon d’Or will not only be a showcase for the world of football, with Gerry Cardinale preparing for a crucial meeting.

The future of European basketball will also be on the table during the London ceremony , with the NBA Europe project poised to compete with some of the continent’s most important clubs. Among these is Cardinale’s Milan.

The owner has long been interested in the new league project and the possibility of managing a franchise in Milan. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanPress), the gala evening will serve as a prelude to a further update on the progress of the project.

Cardinale awaits developments

NBA officials will be in London on Monday, while a video conference meeting with the clubs involved is scheduled for Tuesday.

RedBird Capital have already submitted a bid to manage the Milan franchise and has been in contact with the American league for months, as well as in discussions with Varese. PSG and Real Madrid are also expected at the virtual table.

The NBA’s goal is to launch the new competition in October 2027, involving major soccer brands to attract new fans. Discussions with the Euroleague remain open, which could slow down the assignment of permanent franchises.

The London week – with the Ballon d’Or ceremony and some big meetings – could mark a new turning point in the relationship between American basketball and European soccer.