Our NBL chance to take

Fixture in town gives us shot at showing passion

THE NBL has announced that it is opening the league up to an extra franchise this year.

It is most likely another Victorian-based club from what is being said.

Gold Coast is the largest populated city in Australia without an NBL team.

Sure, we’ve effectively had three franchises that have folded, but that is more a reflection on the Gold Coast’s fairweather fans and lack of corporate support, than on the state of basketball here.

Both Gold Coast associations are experiencing strong growth and interest in the game is getting back to the halcyon days of the early 90s.

It will take either a generous group of owners willing to make a substantial investment, or a community-based model, like Cairns, with the local council subsidising the team.

At present, I haven’t heard of anyone coming forward, but there are people behind the scenes looking to get it done.

The 2018-19 NBL draw has the Bullets playing a game on the Coast on January 6 against Melbourne.

It’s great that the champions will be here, and it should be a sold-out game for sure.

The more games that are played here, and are well supported, the better chance Gold Coast will have when it wants to make a bid for a new license for the NBL.

Any time there is high level basketball here it can only help stimulate the thriving market.

The game will be played at the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre, which is a perfect facility for NBL games.

The venue has already hosted a Bullets game last season and was well attended.

END OF SEASON AWARDS

BOTH associations have their annual awards lunches this weekend. Contact your association for details.