The NBL is keen to see the Geelong Supercats return to the big league

An owner of the country’s premier basketball competition met with Geelong council about the future management of a sports hub, amids plans to return the city to the big league.

The co-owner of the country’s premier basketball competition has flagged his intentions of returning Geelong to the big league.

NBL boss Larry Kestelman met with Geelong Council in recent months for “productive discussions” surrounding the future management of Geelong Arena.

The council has asked for ideas and proposals for future management arrangements, with potential tenures as long as five years.

However, the NBL is also keen to see Geelong play in the top flight once more.

The Supercats exited the NBL in 1996 when owners sold their licence to the league.

Geelong Supercats players after a win against the Gold Coast Rollers in September, 1996. Picture: File

The newly branded Geelong United Supercats are currently competing in NBL1 South, with its premier women’s team about to embark on a finals campaign.

The league confirmed Kestelman had met with the council earlier this year and revealed its hope of seeing Geelong back in the NBL.

“The league strongly believes the people of Geelong and surrounding areas deserve to once again have a team in the competition at the right time in the future,” a league spokesman said.

“However, an appropriate venue would need to be established.

Geelong Supercats Greg Smith, Rupert Sapwell and Ray Owes after beating the North Melbourne Giants in June, 1996. Picture: File

“Currently no venue exists that meets the high standards required by the NBL to be considered for expansion.

“However, the NBL remains open to opportunities in the future should that change.”

It comes as the state government announced plans to build an indoor stadium at Waurn Ponds with six multipurpose courts.

However, it’s unclear if that development is seen as a circuit-breaker.

The council’s acting director of community service delivery, Amanda Locke, said municipal staff met with the league as part of a “request for proposal process for the future management of Geelong Arena”.

Supercar Simon Kerle cuts past Illawarra's Terry Johnson in April, 1996. Picture:

“This process is now getting underway and will be open to any business or organisation wishing to make a proposal,” Locke said.

“We’re looking to uncover all options to maximise the arena’s potential as a sport and cultural events centre for Geelong.

“Conditions attached to any transfer of management would aim to help protect and enhance the community’s use of the facility.”

Meanwhile, Geelong United Basketball chief executive Mark Neeld said GUB had discussed “future management ideas” with the council, but would not be drawn on the NBL’s ambitions.

“(We) have a strong desire to continue to use four basketball courts at Geelong Arena for our 8500 Geelong residents who participate in our community competition on a weekly basis, our 50 pathways teams, including our NBL1 Geelong United Supercats women’s and men’s teams,” Neeld said.

Originally published as The NBL is keen to see the Geelong Supercats return to the big league