NBL 2020: Illawarra Hawks fight to survive after assets liquidated
The NBL’s last remaining foundation club is facing another huge fight for survival after creditors voted to liquidate Illawarra Hawks’ assets.
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The NBL remains steadfast in its bid find a buyer for the beleaguered Illawarra Hawks franchise despite creditors voting to liquidate the club’s assets.
The Hawks have outstanding debts of more than $2 million and owe about $750,000 to staff and players who have been stood down since April.
It leaves the league’s last remaining foundation club facing another huge fight for survival after a turbulent few years in which ownership has changed hands multiple times.
The NBL took back the licence from previous owners Simon and Wendy Stratford last month and has repeatedly insisted it will pay outstanding player salaries.
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The league has offered three remaining contracted Hawks players - Sunday Dech, Sam Froling and Angus Glover - the chance to fulfil those deals next season.
But it remains to be seen if the league will honour the contracts of coach Matt Flinn and other club staff.
A spokesperson for the NBL told AAP on Monday that the league is still in talks with “a range of interested parties” that could take over the Hawks licence.
“The discussions are continuing,” the spokesperson said.
“We’ve said we’re committed to Illawarra staying in the NBL for the long-term future and we haven’t deviated from that at all.”
The spokesperson said the list of possible suitors still includes American teenager LaMelo Ball, whose business manager Jermaine Jackson last month incorrectly claimed the Ball group had purchased the club.
The error was later blamed on a miscommunication between long-time Hawks sponsor Tory Lavalle and Ball’s camp.
The Hawks finished in last position last season but enjoyed some success off the court, largely due to top NBA draft prospect Ball’s arrival as part of the NBL Next Stars program.
The 18-year-old drove huge crowd numbers around the country but managed to play only 12 games before succumbing to injury.