The incredible transformation of the NBL has been well covered, both by myself and others. However, that transformation is far from complete, and the next step in the puzzle is reverting to a five-game grand final series.
While it must be accepted that no, this year’s series won’t be five games, it should be a massive priority for NBL executive director Larry Kestelman to implement the format as soon as possible.
The NBL is without a doubt in one of the most important times of its history, and this is truly the last chance to reform the league and make it stick for good.
Of course, there has been reform before, and periods of boom, but every time the league looks like it will turn a corner, it suddenly goes the other way again.
Back on TV, with every game shown live (a first), there is plenty to do moving forward, with the Brisbane Bullets set to re-enter the NBL next season just the tip of the iceberg.
The five-game format for the NBL grand final has been used before, with plenty of success. With the current schedule, with games between Wednesday and Sunday night, it is the perfect opportunity to bring back the five games.
The ideal format would be to have the first three games emulate the schedule in this year’s series between the New Zealand Breakers and Perth Wildcats. That is, games on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Then there should be a break with the finals two games played on the following Friday and Sunday.
What this ensures is that one way or another the NBL season’s final game, which has the most potential to attract a big crowd and even bigger TV numbers, will be played on a Friday or Sunday. They are arguably the two best days for crowd numbers in the NBL, as shown on countless occasions throughout the 2015-16 season.
The five-game format was last used between 2004 and 2009. It ended as the league began to struggle financially, and a number of teams departed. At that point in time, it seemed to be the best option to revert the NBL back to its former three-game finals series.
The Sydney Kings were the prominent fixture throughout those years in the grand final, and often were able to attract sell-out crowds to each series game. It is not to say that the three-game series doesn’t attract big crowds, or even sell-outs, but what this does show is that even over five games crowds won’t dwindle.
However, with the league beginning to grow again it is time to reintroduce the five-game series. It does the season, with 28 games per team in total, justice and only adds to the excitement of fans as momentum builds.
It also helps ensure that no grand final series could be over in two games. After earning the right to play in the grand final, two losses and a team’s season could be over just like that. Adding the potential for five games is like a tennis grand slam, where there could be some absolutely epic series.
Imagine a team coming back from 2-0 down? The momentum heading into that final and fifth game would be incredible for the NBL, the teams involved and the supporters. It would be impossible to not get excited.
In this time of growth for the NBL, and the sport of basketball in Australia as the NBA attracts plenty of attention, and even the Australian Boomers, extending the grand final series could be a way to try and build that fan-base.
You extend the grand final series, and all of a sudden there are two more chances for potential fans to watch the NBL and begin supporting the games. Even at a minimum, the series is going to go three games.
So Roarers, what do you think? Is a five-game grand final series a viable concept for the NBL? Will it work, and what would you prefer as a fan, and for the good of the sport?
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Matthew
Guest
I agree. In the current climate where more and more games are being squeezed in midweek and elsewhere a 5 game serious held with the same urgency in the Perth/NZ series would of been an occ health and safety issue. I wouldnt double they would try to cram 5 games into 9 days.
Ryan Ranger
Roar Rookie
There are calls on social media from some basketball bloggers, writers and fans for the finals to be extended to best of 5. Not surprisingly, many of these people aren't from Perth or NZ (this year's grand finalists, again). It really isn't viable, and personally I'm not keen on seeing it introduced. The only reason the NBL did have a best-of-5 GF series between 2004-09 was because of their American "commissioner" Rick Burton. (Remember when his name and signature were on the game balls a la David Stern and Roger Goodell?) The best-of-5 GF series over that time were hit and miss. You had some great series (the first one between the Kings and Razorbacks comes to mind), and some 3-0 fizzers. In some of those years, the deciding game was played on a weeknight. Arguably, the best-of-5 era only lasted as long as it did because all the competing GF teams were within 2 hours* of each other (* max, air travel). Three of the six series were local affairs, 2 were Kings v Tigers and the other Bullets v Tigers. Had Cairns, Townsville, Perth or NZ been in the GF mix in those years, it's likely the pin would have been pulled on best-of-5 much sooner, due to the additional travel costs (and fatigue on the players). Let's not forget 2004-2009 was the era where blind eyes were turned to the salary cap (Bullets), player points ratings were rigged (Tigers) and organisations weren't diligent with their financial dealings (Kings). I stand to be corrected, but in previous Perth v NZ GF encounters, I can't recall players from those 2 teams call for future best-of-5 series. If the current series goes to a game 3 on Sunday, regardless of the result I wouldn't expect a Mika Vukona or a Damian Martin for example to request/demand best-of-5. I seriously doubt Nate Jawai with his troublesome back would! Best-of-3 series are fine - and fair. Going through all previous best-of-3 GF winners (be it under the the A-H-H or H-A-H system), you can't say any were undeserving. From a basketball point of view, you want every series to go to a third and deciding game, but the 2013 GF where the Breakers won 2-0 was a great series (and I'm a Wildcats fan). If the 4th-placed Breakers lose Game 2 (and therefore the series 0-2), is it really unfair on them? Would a Wildcats championship be a less-worthy achievement? Best-of-5 is a big ask for the fans. In a 5-game series, Games 1 and 2 are less-appealing to attend. Ticket prices are bumped up dramatically for playoffs - would a middle income family of 4 really want to pay $100 more for tickets for these games? Let's be honest, there were a lot of empty seats in that best-of-5 era - and for a reason. Best-of-3 is challenging enough on fans as it is, but every game is important. This is the NBL, not the NBA. Our teams don't have private jets, billionaire owners or state of the art facilities. Until our league gets anywhere close to any of that, the tried and true best-of-3 is the way to go.
Chamilla
Guest
Agree -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.