NBA
Premier League’s Chelsea look for new faces in the NBA
The English side have taken a look at the NBA for professionals to add to their team.
Chelsea continue to advance their sporting strategy, building on the earlier signing of Paul Winstanley at the start of the Boehly era. Now, the Blues are looking toward the NBA for inspiration.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea has secured the services of Sachin Gupta as part of an investment plan in technology and sport led by Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano. While Gupta’s exact role within Chelsea has not yet been fully defined, he is expected to be closely involved in the club’s operations.
Gupta is highly regarded as one of the most respected figures in American basketball analytics. After earning a degree in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he became a leading expert in sports analytics. His impressive career includes roles with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Houston Rockets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he served as executive vice president of basketball operations.
Gupta’s appointment is part of Clearlake’s broader effort to revitalise Chelsea after several transitional years. The ownership group aims to modernise the club by implementing innovative techniques that could be transformative in the Premier League. While the “Moneyball” approach - applying analytics to sport - is more established in American sports, some believe it may not fully translate to the dynamic and fluid nature of European football. Nonetheless, Gupta’s “significant role” at Stamford Bridge will focus on adapting and applying this model to Chelsea’s operations.
Gersson Rosas, the former head of franchise operations for the Timberwolves, praised Gupta, stating, “He is more than just a numbers expert. He regularly participated in scouting trips and contributed to video and analysis sessions with coaches and players.”
Chelsea have started the season well, currently sitting fifth in the league and competing for Champions League qualification, despite some preseason challenges.
With a large squad of over 40 first-team players at the close of the transfer window, the club’s management strategy is to identify and develop future stars before they are worth exorbitant transfer fees. Gupta will work closely with Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, and Joe Shields to continue the club’s success, as seen in recent signings like Cole Palmer, Estevão, and Kendry Páez.