Much has been said about the NBL and how it is now known for small crowds and as a failing league. Yet in Victoria, basketball is on the rise. This can be attributed to the South Dragons and their ability to get larger crowds in a very difficult economic climate.
The fact is that the South Dragons have the second largest attendance average out of any club in the league: 4,444. Considering the fact that many teams now struggle to get anywhere near that, this is a great figure. Add to that the realisation there is little to no advertising involved.
The South Dragons continue to overshadow the once great Melbourne Tigers, who have survived while the second team in Victoria has continued to fail one season after the other.
The Dragons have bucked this trend and now draw near to 2,000 more than the Tigers.
So to all these people who continue to bag the South Dragons, go to one of their home games and then you may be able to make an informed statement.
Basketball is not dead in Victoria. Not by a long shot!
Midfielder
Guest
I understand Basketball is on the verge of signing a 35 million contract over five years with Foxs but a number of things have to change .. if Foxs are prepared to invest 35 million plus the cost of broadcasting then basketball must have a future.
Trevor
Roar Pro
I'd say the crowd figures for this season show good support for the league in general, not just in Victoria. Sure there's some lowly figures as in the Spirit but I think that was expected after the collapse of the Kings. What the Dragons are doing this season is nothing short of inspirational. Good on 'em and the Melbourne fans for supporting them. The Tigers can't match those figures regardless because of the size of their venue although you'd expect their figures to be closer to capacity. Will the Dragons still be around in 25 years? Time will tell.