The new NBL season is two months away and I could not be any more excited. Fox have renewed their contract to broadcast every game live, and my Sydney Kings are under new management.
Wilson is also back on board as the official game ball supplier and Mitchell and Ness have signed on as the official merchandise manufacturer.
Kings aside, I am predicting a breakout season for the NBL in the Australian market.
The competition will commence shortly after the completion of the Rio Olympics, where the Boomers are looking to medal. It is their best chance to do so, with five current NBA players on the roster, as well David Andersen’s 103 games of NBA experience, and Cameron Bairstow’s 36 games for the Chicago Bulls.
Off the back of the Olympics, interest in basketball will be higher than normal, especially if the Boomers return triumphant with a bronze or silver medal (who knows, maybe even an historic gold medal for those optimists out there).
The NBL will launch the 2016-17 with eight teams, the same amount as last year, however the Brisbane Bullets are taking the place of the Townsville Crocs. It’s unfortunate because the Crocs were one of the most exciting teams to watch last year, with Shawn Dennis’ passion rubbing off on all the players.
But Brisbane being back is outstanding. The Bullets have great fans who will pack out the entertainment centre at every opportunity. They have also built a reputable roster in the off=season including an Olympian, Bairstow. They will be competitive from day one.
The NBL has changed its rules in regards to the salary cap from a $1 million hard cap to a $1.1 million soft cap.
This means, as per NBL.com, “Teams may exceed the soft cap provided that they pay a salary equalisation subsidy based on the extent to which they have exceeded the cap. The subsidy will be distributed to teams which may otherwise find it difficult to meet the salary cap.”
NBL general manager Jeremy Loeliger said, “In order to ensure that wealthier teams are not able to ‘stockpile’ talent on their benches when those players could or should be in the starting line-up of less wealthy teams, a talent-distribution threshold has been introduced which requires that any five of a teams’ players must, collectively, be paid no more than $400,000 (in 2016/17 and subject to adjustment thereafter). These measures have been introduced to replace the existing player points system.”
Another big change is the import rule. In previous seasons, clubs could have two roster sports allocated to overseas residents. In 2016-17, teams will be allowed to have three imports on their roster. This doesn’t take away an Australian’s spot on the roster, as the total roster players allowed has risen from ten to 11.
I love the NBL, because basketball is a high-action, end-to-end scoring game. Much like our beloved NRL and AFL codes, the NBL season consists of 19 rounds and 28 games, meaning every game matters. One loss can significantly alter table position. The result? Night-in, night-out entertainment.
An indoor sport, you can pick up a ticket for the NBL and watch the game up close, in comfort, without having to check your weather app. The match day events are child friendly and interactive for young and old.
While I was not alive for the glory days of the NBL, with the new league management into their second season in control, I see the NBL rising up and being a fan favourite in this country.
I am excited to see the league grow.
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