NBL gives all-clear for Tasmanian team next year
THE NBL will launch a social media campaign in the coming weeks for the public to name the new Tasmanian team to enter the league from the 2021-22 NBL season.
The competition will introduce a 10th team from Tasmania after the league finalised its agreement with the Tasmanian Government to issue a licence to participate.
In a major boost for Australian basketball, Tassie will return to the domestic stage for the first time since the Hobart Devils were dissolved in 1996.
The new Tasmania team won’t revert back to the Devils name, while the Tigers is also off the table, as the state’s cricket team already uses it.
The agreement includes a new home for the team, with the Tasmanian Government providing $68.5 million for the upgrade of the Derwent Entertainment Centre, including $20 million for a community four-court multi-sport facility.
NBL owner and executive chairman Larry Kestelman said the league would help the new Tasmanian franchise find a CEO, who will work closely with the Tasmanian Advisory Board and the local community to establish a team that all Tasmanians can be proud of, on and off the court.
Kestelman has also been encouraged by the interest from corporate Australia in becoming foundation partners of the Tasmanian team.
“This is great news for the NBL and the people of Tasmania, who have showed amazing passion to help bring this to life,” Kestelman said.
“The final agreement means we can start immediately on the next steps for the planning and upgrade of the DEC in preparation for a Tasmanian team to take to the court for the start of the 2021-22 season.”