The Townsville Crocodiles have today informed the National Basketball League (NBL) they are unable to field a team in the 2016-17 season due to financial pressures and a failing economy in the area.
The NBL, which finally looked to be on up for the first time in recent memory after a strong 2015-16 season both on and off the court, will take a big hit with the loss of the Crocodiles.
Townsville were one of two teams, alongside the Hawks, in voluntary administration last season, and the league looked like it was about to cut down to just six teams.
New NBL CEO Larry Kestelman stepped in and saved both sides, with a revamped league having an incredibly strong season. Every game was on TV for the first time ever, crowd figures rose, and it was announced that the Brisbane Bullets will return next season.
However, the one low spot was the Townsville Crocodiles. They were strong enough on the floor, unable to compete on a nightly basis but pulling off some huge upsets and fighting all the way to the death in each and every game.
Crowds failed to increase at the Townsville Entertainment Centre though, and halfway through the season Kestelman called for the people of Townsville to make it known they wanted a team in the region.
Crowds increased, but evidently not enough with the team falling over today.
The team remodelled to a community-owned club last season, and the directors quoted tough economic conditions which have fallen upon the city as the reason for pulling out of the league next season.
NBL General Manager Keremy Loeliger said the League set new ownership guidelines in 2015 to ensure all teams were sustainable.
“In order for the NBL to be one of the strongest basketball leagues in the world we must have teams that are commercially sustainable – we can’t allow out players, fans or sponsors to have any lingering doubt as to the longevity of our club.”
“Despite the best endeavours of Townsville’s management and support team, the board has resolved there isn’t a viable business case for the Townsville Crocodiles to continue as part of the NBL.”
The NBL have stated they are going to be involved in the transition of the Crocodiles out of the league. The league has confirmed all financial commitments made by the club for the 2015-16 season will be fulfilled.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Sav
Roar Rookie
Very depressing news, the reptile rumble is no more.
Johnno
Guest
I really liked LK 3-import rule he brought in, and some marquee spending, but I'm worried the cap is too high, soft cap or not. The NBL in it's glory days was able to survive as a semi-pro comp, as most had jobs in the Halcyon days. Wayne Mcdaniels told a good story when he was at Newcastle Falcons, he'd hit the building site at 7am and train at night, play 1 game per week on the weekend, done. It can still work, all getting in the grind and playing ball on weekend. $1 million cap is too high.
Scott Pryde
Expert
You're right on that note, but teams in the big cities have gone bankrupt as well - just look at the Bullets and Kings for starters - Razorbacks [Spirit], South West Dragons as well) This is probably the last chance for the NBL with LK taking over last year. They have made a strong start, but the Crocs going is worrying. Pressure on the 8 survivers.
Johnno
Guest
NBL has a habit of regional teams going broke or the NBL cutting them adrift.
a
Guest
Put Townsville back in please
Scott Pryde
Expert
That was one of the rumours going around this afternoon on Twitter - Asia team within 2 years. I just can't see that working with the costs it takes, and toll on transport, and the current set up of the TV deal. Just won't happen. We saw what happened with Singapore. Need more teams in Australia first anyway. 2nd team in Melbourne is a must, 2nd team in New Zealand as well.
Damo
Guest
Agreed - certainly won't see any new teams next season, not sure what it will mean for the Fox deal though. In theory it might not hurt too much as getting a full broadcast crew up to Townsville was an expensive pain. I suspect Fox don't mind keeping their resources in Brissy. (though the same theory would put a Tassie team at risk?) Completely crystal-balling here (pun intended) but I think LK has more than one eye on Asia too.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I was really looking forward to a nine-team comp, so I think this ruins that for the next season at least. Just can't see another licence being thrown out for next year at short notice, especially with free agency already 2 weeks old. Reckon they will push for the season after. Would love to see it get up to 10 teams with both of them. I agree though, if they can't stay afloat on their own (and lets face it, they can't - never able to turn it around like the Hawks) then they shouldn't be in the comp.
Damo
Guest
Sad news for the league but at the end of the day I think it's time to let it go. They just could;t get the crowds in. There has been talk of a licence in Tassie or a 2nd team in NZ, so I wonder if this opens the doors for them.? I'm glad the NBL isn't throwing money at it to keep them afloat.