Two groups chasing licences to play in next season’s NBL will have to convince the competition’s commission they are not fly by night operators but have long-term plans.
Basketball Australia boss Larry Sengstock confirmed on Thursday the NBL commission had received licence applications from two groups, one from Brisbane, which has been without an NBL side since 2008, and another from a Melbourne consortium.
While the commission is keen to have a Brisbane team back on the floor in 2011-12, hard lessons learned means neither group will get the nod without a strong working model and a long-term commitment.
The commission’s view is that waiting another another 12 months is better than granting licences to groups that may fall over within a year or 18 months, causing more embarrassment for the league.
“The commission has asked NBL management to validate some of the detailed information contained in the applications before we can make a determination as to whether either bid group has satisfied the requirements to be issued an NBL license,” Sengstock said.
“Expansion of the league is a strategic priority however it remains imperative that it is achieved in a measured and considered way.
“It is imperative any expansion is sustainable for the long term and we will undertake all necessary steps to ensure as a commission we deliver that.”
A decision is not expected until early in the New Year once that verification process is completed.
Sengstock would not give any specific detail about the backers of either bid.
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