Maxima Roma’s basket president Paul Matiasic (L) and former AS Roma captain Francesco Totti and Maxima Romas new advisor, hold a press conference in Rome on September 8, 2026. Totti, who spent his entire playing career with AS Roma, joined Maxima Roma on September 1 as advisor to the ownership with responsibility for fan base development and corporate social responsibility. The club was created in June 2026 after US entrepreneur Paul Matiasic bought Pallacanestro Brescia’s licence and relocated it to the Italian capital, and will play in the Italian Serie A and in the EuroCup (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
Francesco Totti, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and is adored in his home city where he played his entire career with Roma, on Tuesday said that he had turned down roles with the rebuilding Azzurri and with his old club to become an adviser to Maxima, a new Roman basketball team.
Maxima are one of two clubs in Rome vying to take part in the planned NBA Europe project.
Rome is one of the 12 cities being targeted by the NBA for the European league’s launch in 2027.
“He isn’t just a figurehead ambassador or celebrity; he’s a genuine part of our project,” said Paul Matiasic, a California lawyer who bought the sporting licence of the Brescia club and used it to set up a new team in Rome.
