The National Basketball League will play this season’s pre-season competition in Tasmania amid plans to add a 10th team in the competition from the state.
The National Basketball League has stepped up its push into Tasmania, with this year’s pre-season competition to be played in the Apple Isle.
The NBL Blitz will be held in the state from September 19-22, league boss Larry Kestelman announced on Tuesday.
The league has flagged making Tasmania the location of a 10th team.
“Tasmania is a great sporting state and we want basketball to be its number one sport,” Kestelman said in a statement.
The NBL is in talks with the Glenorchy City Council to buy the Derwent Entertainment Centre (DEC) outside Hobart and nearby land at Wilkinsons Point.
Kestelman has said the new team would play NBL matches at the entertainment centre but some home games could be held in Launceston, provided there is an appropriate venue.
The NBL wants the Tasmanian government to back the proposal by providing money to upgrade the DEC.
The NBL launched an official NBLTasmania website and Twitter page today as well, which appears to be soliciting support from members of the public to assist with their lobby to the government.
Adam
Roar Guru
I must admit to not being the biggest ever basketball fan. But if a Tassie team does become a reality I will be attending a fair share of games
James P
Guest
Bring back the Tassie Devils
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Tasmania has given incredible amounts of money to the already super rich AFL, on top of millions upon millions in funding the grounds they play in and providing them free of charge. Why should basketball have to buy the land? They already pay AFL at a million a game, NBL basketball team would be able to survive on that for a whole season.