TIMELINE FOR NBL BACK IN TASMANIA
■ June 26, 2019: After a failed push by the Southern Huskies to buy the DEC and join the NBL, Kestelman and the Glenorchy City Council enter exclusive negotiations on the purchase of the DEC, while Kestelman also starts discussions with the Tasmanian Government about the state joining the league.
■ July 9, 2019: Kestelman announces the NBL Blitz is coming to Tasmania, with the government contributing $300,000 to bring the preseason competition here.
■ September 14, 2019: The Mercury reveals the Wilkinsons Point masterplan for a multi-million shopping, hotel and restaurant precinct, to be developed by Kestelman next door to the DEC should a Tasmanian team get up and the centre redeveloped.
■ September 21, 2019: The NBL Blitz plays in front of big crowds across Tasmania, with the Kingborough Sports Centre featuring on ESPN’s US flagship show SportsCentre, as possible NBA No.1 draft pick LaMello Ball takes to the court for the Illawarra Hawks for the first time.
■ December 17, 2019: The Mercury reveals the deal that will see the DEC redeveloped and a new multisport facility built at taxpayers’ expense, but will see the venues remain in public hands in exchange for the Wilkinsons Point development and the state entering the NBL.
■ February 28, 2020: Kestelman and new Premier Peter Gutwein announce an in-principle agreement that will see Tasmania join the NBL, the DEC redeveloped, building of a new multisport facility, the Wilkinsons Point development and government sponsorship of the team.
■ April 6, 2020: Negotiations on the in-principle agreement are put on hold for two months as the COVID-19 outbreak sees government turn all its focus to community health and the impacts on the economy.
■ May 21, 2020: Negotiations resume, with Mr Gutwein stating funding for the deal had already been budgeted for.
■ July 1, 2020: The Mercury reveals the deal is finally signed, sealed and delivered, and Tasmania will be rejoining the NBL for the first time in 25 years in the 2021-22 season.