ASVEL: Tony Parker confirms talks with investment funds and hints at desire to coach the pro team

While ASVEL competes in the Leaders Cup, the real stakes are also behind the scenes. Tony Parker gave details in L’Équipe about ongoing negotiations with investment funds and his personal future, between management, capital transfer and possible conversion to the bench.

LIRE AUSSI

ASVEL attracts major investment fund ahead of potential NBA Europe launch

17 févr. 2026

Sylvain Sultat

A fund to prepare for NBA Europe

Tony Parker is certain: « The NBA will come no matter what. » Convinced that the American league will establish itself permanently in Europe, the ASVEL president is engaged in multiple discussions to position the Lyon club among the 12 permanent cities mentioned.

No guarantees for now. « None », he answers clearly when asked about ASVEL’s chances of being selected. The club must submit its complete application by the end of March, while the NBA could announce the first franchises around May-June, with a target launch of September 2027.

In parallel, Parker confirms having received visits from four American investment funds. « I had visits from four very large American funds », he explains, specifying that he is bound by confidentiality clauses. All were reportedly impressed by Lyon’s potential and the prospect of a structured project around NBA Europe.

While refusing to disclose amounts, he confirms that talks are advanced and that the funds want him to remain in governance: « The funds would really like me to stay for the very long term. » The idea would be for him to maintain a major strategic role, as General Partner.

From president to coach?

But the other major aspect concerns his personal future. For several months, Tony Parker has been considering a conversion to the bench. In L’Équipe, he admits it: « I miss being on the court. »

His initial dream was to start as an assistant in the NBA. However, the current situation at ASVEL, with the possible arrival of a fund and the NBA Europe prospect, is reshuffling the cards. « Starting my coaching career at ASVEL could be a possibility », he confides.

An option that would be conditional on integration into NBA Europe and strengthened resources to build a competitive team at the highest continental level.

Vincent Collet, an appealing idea

In this scenario, Vincent Collet’s name keeps coming up. The two men communicate regularly and Parker is currently completing his coaching training under the mentorship of the former national team coach.

« Yes, we’ve had discussions », he confirms, while specifying that the project remains dependent on many parameters: validation of NBA Europe, realization of a fund and personal decision on his trajectory.

Meanwhile, he assures that current coach Pierric Poupet was informed in advance of the discussions. Parker emphasizes the transparency of exchanges and the quality of their relationship. The latter preferred not to comment on this situation Thursday on the eve of the Leaders Cup launch.

A strategic turning point for ASVEL

Between opening up capital, possible medium-term valuation and sports reorganization, ASVEL is preparing for a change of era.

Nothing is finalized yet. But one thing is clear: Tony Parker is working to reposition the club in the new architecture of European basketball, with NBA Europe as the goal. And his own role could evolve much faster than expected.