NBL targets expansion
New Zealand’s National Basketball League is looking to expand.
The Tasmania-based Southern Huskies became the first Australian side to join the competition this year on a five-year deal, taking the number of sides in the competition to nine.
The NBL isn’t done there with the league calling for expressions of interest for next year. Their priority is for entries north of Taupo, but other areas are welcome to apply.
In its recent 2023 growth strategy, the National Basketball League Limited (NBLL) indicated the optimum number of teams competing in the NBL should be up from 10 to 12. This year’s competition has nine teams, including the Huskies.
Outside of the Auckland-based Super City Rangers, the NBL doesn’t have a presence in Hamilton, North Harbour, or in the Bay of Plenty region.
The league’s growth strategy lays out a plan to grow the NBL to a minimum of 10 teams and maximum of 12 teams.
Expanding the competition won’t be universally supported with some arguing New Zealand doesn’t have the depth of talent to support so many sides.
Longtime NBL coach Jeff Green, who mentors the Rangers, spoke out about expansion last year, telling Stuff the league should be downsizing instead of increasing.
He supported having six teams instead of the eight that competed in 2018.
‘‘The league should be about quality, so there’s a pathway for the best. Only the best can make the NBL, so if you’re one of those fringe Kiwis you’re working really hard to make the NBL,’’ Green said.
‘‘Having more teams is not the answer.’’ Expressions of interest for the 2020 NBL need to be submitted by April 12. Invitations will then sent by April 26 to those being asked to submit a formal bid.
Formal bids will be due to the NBLL by May 31 with an announcement on any new franchises for 2020 expected by July 31.
The preliminary schedule for the 2020 season would start in late March-early April and run until late July-early August.
The 2019 NBL season tips off on April 11 with the Manawatu¯ Jets hosting the Rangers in Palmerston North.