Breakers: Move to Aussie last restort
The Breakers say playing the 2020-21 National Basketball League out of Australia will be a ‘‘last resort’’ they hope to avoid in the post-coronavirus sporting landscape.
However owner and club chief executive Matt Walsh told they had to accept that moving the team across the Tasman for next season was now ‘‘on the table’’ as the league works through the realities of sporting life in the wake of the Covid-19 global pandemic.
Late last week the NBL and Australian players’ association reached a landmark agreement that put in place major financial cutbacks for the 2020-21 season – due to start in October – in anticipation of a vastly changed commercial backdrop.
Among the key points agreed were a tiered reduction in salaries of between 27.5 and 50 per cent; minimum salary capped at A$58,584; rosters reduced to 10 players, with a maximum of two imports and a Next Star if applicable; and the ability of players to opt out of contracts for two weeks from the signing of the agreement.
The accord will be reviewed in three months’ time when it is expected the post-Covid situation will be a lot clearer.
Walsh lauded his players for their willingness to be part of an agreement that recognised the potentially challenging landscape ahead.
The Breakers owner admitted further compromises might be required from his players should relocation to Australia prove a necessity when the new season rolls around.
‘‘We could realistically start in January or February and the players’ association have agreed to extend the season into May or June.
‘‘But whether international travel is going to be allowed by then looks doubtful. We’re working with the league and haven’t dug into it in-depth at all because we’ve been handling one situation at time and want to give some time to work itself out.
‘‘But the possibility of us being stationed in Australia . . . of course that’s on the table. We haven’t had any meaningful conversation about it, but I’m not ignorant to the fact that it has to be on the table if international travel is not allowed.’’
Walsh said relocation would be the final card played but reaffirmed the Breakers’ commitment to a league that he believed was now among the best in the world outside of the NBA.
‘‘When you hold a license in the NBL you’re a partner in something bigger than yourself. I understand what it means for the Breakers and our business to be here and playing in front of our fans. I want to be a beacon of hope and help get us out of postcoronavirus life.’’