Andrew Bogut backs NBL’s plan to play Christmas Day game between Sydney Kings and Melbourne United
Not everyone is on board with the NBL’s decision to play basketball on Christmas Day. But Andrew Bogut says it is worth the risk. Here’s why.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Andrew Bogut knows it’s a risk playing sport on Christmas Day in Australia, but it’s one he is willing to make.
In fact, Bogut is predicting the naysayers to emulate the concept if it’s successful for the Sydney Kings.
The Kings will host Australian sport’s first Christmas Day match when they take on arch rivals Melbourne United.
The innovative idea has received criticism from traditionalists, who argue it isn’t appropriate to play sport on the traditional religious holiday.
There is also uncertainty when it comes to attendance, television audience and the financial benefit for the clubs involved.
Bogut understands these concerns, but says basketball is in a position domestically compared to the NRL and AFL where it must think “outside the square”.
“We are not the No. 1 sport in Australia, and we have to try and do different things,” said Bogut, a Kings co-owner.
“I can tell you one thing: if the game goes well, it (the Christmas Day game) will get stolen.
“We were the only NBL club who wanted to do it, from a home team perspective.
“The other teams didn’t want to take that risk, and rightfully so, but if it goes well for us there will be other professional sporting codes who will also look to have a game on Christmas Day.
“We are definitely taking a risk, but we want to be the team that takes that risk and see how it goes.
“If it doesn’t work, at least we are not going to die thinking, ‘would that have worked?’.
“We’ll give it a fair crack and see how it goes.”
There is also a belief that playing sport on Christmas Day isn’t fair on the players, who will want to spend time with their families.
However, the Kings trained on Christmas Day in the morning last year before coach Chase Buford hosted a dinner for the imports.
NBL, cricket and A League teams, for example, have been training or travelling on December 25 for years.
“So, what’s the difference in playing a game on Christmas Day?,” Bogut reasoned.
“Teams are scared to have the game on that day and not make a whole lot of money out of it, but from the Kings and the NBL’s point of view, it is a no-brainer to at least try it.
“Most people want to spend Christmas Day with their family, but let’s be honest, you don’t want to spend the whole 12 hours with your family.
“Usually there is a little bit of a lull around 4pm where you want a bit of your own space, so that is where we hope we can get people out to the game, and they can enjoy two hours of sport and then go back to your celebrations.
“This isn’t footy, where you are there the whole day.”
Bogut revealed the television audience was a big part of Sydney’s case to the NBL for a Christmas Day game.
He believes the Kings can attract decent TV numbers, especially with the clash against a big franchise like Melbourne United.
“Plus, we all get to a point where we are sick of watching Home Alone 1 and then 2 and Christmas carols,” he said.
“Then in the afternoon we are looking around for something different to watch and live sport is perfect.
“We might win some fans over who didn’t realise the NBL was this entertaining or fun.
“There are definitely a lot of positives.”
HOOPS’ CHRISTMAS PUSH LEAVES FANS DIVIDED
The Sydney Kings will host the NBL’s first Christmas Day game against arch rivals Melbourne United, with the historic fixture being hailed a “game changer” for Australian sport.
The defending champion Kings have locked in a 7.30pm timeslot to take on United in a Christmas Day blockbuster at Qudos Bank Arena.
The innovative idea to play Australian sport’s first match on December 25 was pushed by Sydney co-owner and NBA champion Andrew Bogut.
The retired Boomers great wanted the Kings, and the NBL, to emulate the NBA’s long-running Christmas Day game tradition.
The world’s best basketball league has been playing on the traditional religious holiday since 1947, with at least three games scheduled, excluding the 1998/1999 season due to a six-month lockout.
Bogut understood that playing on Christmas Day was foreign in Australian sport, but he could see the potential for the NBL to mirror the NBA’s success on December 25, especially from a television perspective.
The Big Bash Cricket League floated the idea of playing on Christmas Day in 2019, but the governing body opted against the concept following consultation with the players, clubs, and broadcasters.
The BBL had scheduled two matches on Christmas Eve in 2018, but the attendance of the games fell “short of expectations”, according to Cricket Australia.
Just 10,508 people attended the Sydney derby on the evening of December 24 in ‘18.
Playing sport on Christmas Day in Australia may be polarising and attract its critics, but Kings co-owner and chairman Paul Smith is confident the concept can be successful for his club and basketball.
“It’s the last scheduling frontier in sport in Australia,” Smith said. “We are a changing society. Christmas isn’t a holy event for all of us, and it can be a lonely day for a lot of people.
“So, to be able to come out a world venue for a world class game of hoops, or just watching the Sydney Kings at home on television, it’s a game changer.”
Smith praised Bogut for having the foresight to champion the Christmas Day concept.
“For a long time, Andrew and I have been thinking through the potential of a Christmas Day game,” he said. “We have to stand out in Sydney, so being the first team in any sport to host on this day helps us do that.”
The Kings are also planning to involve a partner on the day to give the game a charitable focus.
The NBL has welcomed the sport’s first Christmas Day fixture, with Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger expecting the event to be a resounding success.
“We are thrilled to be bringing such a massive encounter to Christmas Day, particularly given we will be the first professional sport in this country to do so,” Loeliger said.
“Sports fans across Australia and New Zealand have been asking for live sport on Christmas and we are excited to bring them world-class basketball and entertainment on what is a very special day for so many.
“Christmas Day has become a marquee day on the NBA calendar and we’re confident it will have a similar impact for us and our clubs.
“The Kings have been very proactive in wanting to host the first Christmas Day game and we’re confident they’ll do a great job.”
The Kings’ Christmas Day clash against United will be broadcast live on 10 Peach, ESPN and Kayo.
City of Churches Christmas Eve cheer
The new-look Adelaide 36ers will host the franchise’s first Christmas Eve game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The 36ers have set a family friendly time of 5pm to take on a Phoenix side, featuring former 36ers forward Mitch Creek.
Adelaide officials are hoping the Christmas Eve clash is a success, so it can become a regular fixture on the season calendar.
36ers CEO Nic Barbato feels honoured to play such a significant marquee match.
“This is a great reward for our members and fans,” Barbato said.
“The earlier start time is fantastic for families, and I can see this match becoming an annual event.”
Adelaide are determined to rise up the NBL ladder after finishing a disappointing seventh last season.
The 36ers have reloaded their roster, highlighted by the marquee signings of Antonius Cleveland (Illawarra) and Robert Franks (Brisbane).
Cleveland is the league’s reigning defensive player of the year while Franks starred in his first season for the Bullets, averaging 18 points and eight rebounds.
The full 2022/2023 NBL season schedule will be released this Monday, July 25.
DJ, Harrell, star as 36ers claim third straight win
The DJ Vasiljevic-inspired Adelaide 36ers saw off a furious second-half fightback by the Sydney Kings to score an entertaining 10-point victory and make it three wins in a row.
‘Dog shot’: Fired up Sobey ignites battle of cellar dwellers
Ahead of his first meeting with his former club, a raw Nathan Sobey has opened up on his high-profile split with Brisbane Bullets, South East Melbourne’s struggles and those biting comments from his ex-coach.