Old Snake seeks answers on Taipans proposed sale

A former Cairns Taipans skipper has called on the club’s hierarchy to outline the terms of its proposed sale as the publicly-owned club seeks to secure a private backer in a bid to remain competitive with its NBL rivals.

Former Cairns Taipans’ centre Ian Crosswhite drives to the basket against the Sydney Kings in the 2011/12 season.

A former Cairns Taipans skipper has called on the club’s hierarchy to outline the terms of its proposed sale as the publicly-owned team seeks to secure a private backer in a bid to remain competitive with its NBL rivals.

But the team’s top brass has encouraged fans to ask more questions with the club publicly seeking a buyer for the first time since it adopted a community-owned model more than 15 years ago.

Snakes president Troy Stone confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in basketball this month, declaring that Cairns’ only national sporting team was on the market, with a rumoured $4m price tag ahead of the 2025/26 NBL season.

The Taipans centre played four seasons for the club, joining the team in 2008.

Retired big man Ian Crosswhite, who joined the Taipans just before it went into receivership in 2008, said he is seeking more detail on what a deal with a prospective buyer might look like.

The following year, the Taipans adopted a public ownership model ahead of the following season, raising more than $500,000 in pledges from foundation members to keep the team alive.

The former NBL enforcer, who became an Orange Army favourite renowned for his fiery on-court demeanour, said the club’s loyal members that came to its financial rescue deserved to know more.

“I think the only thing I want is for this thing to be transparent,” the retired centre said.

“It’s a community-owned club and the people that put their money in to save the club should be involved, or at least more informed about the process.”

Cairns Taipans president, Troy Stone at the team's offices in Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

Taipans president Troy Stone said the club was eager for its stakeholders to learn more about what a private model would mean for the community.

“Our model, rules and constitution put in place by the committee in 2009 specifically deal with where any funds would legally go in relation to the sale of the Taipans,” Mr Stone said.

“It doesn’t go to me, players, foundation members or staff.”

Under the Taipans’ constitution, foundation members don’t have an ownership stake in the team.

“Their (foundation members’) money was a donation at the time, not an investment,” the Snakes top boss said.

“Every foundation and syndicate member is invited to our AGM every year and I don’t know how much more transparent I can be.

“We could’ve sold the thing 10 times over if we wanted to but we’re looking for the right people that have the same community mindset.”

Mr Crosswhite, who played during a turbulent time for the league with several teams struggling financially, said he took a 45 per cent pay cut to keep the team on the court.

“This needs to be fair and done right because if it’s not, it’ll hurt the club,” the son of former Boomers legend, Perry ‘Rocky’ Crosswhite, said.

“Back then, it was really hard, especially after playing with Sydney (Kings), going to a grand final (in 2010/11) and thinking you’re going to reap some rewards.

“Then, coming up to Cairns and having a similar thing happen. I think it happened to a lot of guys in Townsville (Crocodiles) and West Sydney (Razorbacks). It’s great to see the NBL going so well right now.”

Ian Crosswhite at training at the Fish Tank on Aumuller St.

Crosswhite helped lead the Taipans to the NBL Finals during his time in orange.

The retired hooper praised the NBL’s majority owner Larry Kestelman and Taipans’ leadership for ushering in an era of renewed interest and sustained growth in the game.

“Cairns was the best club I played for family-wise and being a community-oriented team,” he said. “My parents still watch Cairns games because we had a great time up there. There’s a potentially amazing opportunity to set the club up.

“I’d just like to know what is the position of the foundation members and what is the ownership structure.”

The Taipans, who finished at the bottom of the standings last season, have yet to appoint a replacement for outgoing head coach, Adam Forde.

Mr Stone said the Taipans had supported Mr Crosswhite during his playing career and after his retirement.

Originally published as Old Snake seeks answers on Taipans proposed sale