SAN ANTONIO (LNB) - Spectators are often so impressed by the full array of skills shown by France's Tony Parker on the floor that it's often said he owns the court.

Now when that phrase is uttered, it will be true in a more literal sense because Parker has bought a stake in ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne - one of his country's leading clubs.

The 26-year-old San Antonio Spurs superstar playmaker has spoken about his new venture on his official website and also said he may end his playing career at the club.

"About a year ago, I was approached by various clubs in France," Parker said.

"Talks were initiated with Rouen, Lille and ASVEL. Following a careful review, my choice led me towards Villeurbanne.

"The team's key personnel came to see me in mid-January in San Antonio and it is then that we've decided to work together."

ASVEL have a great history and Parker was very impressed after a visit in 2006 when San Antonio played at ASVEL in the NBA Europe Live.

"The team has strong foundations and it is a good mix between tradition and modernity," Parker said.

"What is truly exciting is that there are still a lot to do. I like challenges and the challenges ahead with ASVEL are good."

This is not the first time that Parker has put money into a French basketball club.

He also invested in the team he grew up with and played for before going to the NBA, Paris Basket Racing although that venture was not deemed a success.

"You cannot compare," Parker said.

"In Villeurbanne there is already a complete structure with a solid project.

"I am coming with the idea to accompany this project because we share the same visions and values.

"These are two forces that need to be united. I will work closely with the team's management and in particular with Pierre Grall who has built the team with the coach, Vincent Collet."

Parker revealed that ASVEL will have an academy named after him where many of the youngsters who look up to him can learn the game and potentially blossom into the kind of player he is.

"We will develop the Tony Parker Academy," he said.

"A large training facility will be launched in the fall of 2010.

"This facility will include the pro team and the young players from the training academy."

The academy will, he says, will be a huge asset to ASVEL's top team.

"We are now conscious that the best European players have high salary expectations," he said.

"In order to face this, we wish to rely on training new talents. France is an example of this and we won't cut this out of the project."

Parker is hopeful that ASVEL can return to the Euroleague, the competition they once played in.

A new arena could be in the works at ASVEL, which would make them a more attractive team to have in Europe's elite club competition.

Parker has not divulged how much money he is investing in ASVEL.

"I do not wish to go into details but I can tell that I also have an option to take the majority of the club and to become its president," Parker said.

"This is no in the news today and I have the opportunity to start with Gilles Moretton and Antony Thiodet who both have a great experience at this level.

"I therefore want to learn at their side before taking on more responsibilities."

As for putting on the ASVEL jersey himself one day, Parker said: "It can happen.

"At the end of my NBA career, I could very well play on more year at the highest level with ASVEL.

"I would be happy to end my career in France, in front of my fans.

"It will be a nice going out party. We've discussed this with Eva (Longoria Parker, his wife) and she won't be against living in France for a year.

"We are far from this today as I still have 10 years to play in the NBA."

FIBA