New NBL franchise South East Melbourne Phoenix unveils colours and logo

The NBL’s newest team, South East Melbourne Phoenix, unveiled its striking “fireball” logo and green colour scheme and explains the origin behind the club’s name.

The launch of the NBL’s newest team. Picture: Getty Images

The NBL’s newest team, South East Melbourne Phoenix, unveiled its striking “fireball” logo and green colour scheme at the State Basketball Centre.

The Phoenix will enter the domestic league next season.

The club’s logo, which consists of spinning flames and feathers combined in a ball, is said to convey a sense of speed, action and perpetual motion, cornerstones of what the club will represent on and off the court.

It is highlighted by laser green, a nod to the picturesque landscape of Melbourne’s south east, a bold statement colour symbolising the Phoenix as cutting edge and focused on the future.

Phoenix general manager Tommy Greer said the launch was a landmark day for the NBL’s ninth team.

South East Melbourne Phoenix has unveiled its logo.

“When we announced the team we asked the fans to give us their suggestions for a name,” Greer said.

“We received hundreds of names but eventually chose Phoenix, a name that represents the rebirth of basketball in South East Melbourne.

“Basketball has a proud heritage in South East Melbourne, having produced some of Australia’s greatest players and teams.

“Now the fans once again have a team to call their own, the Phoenix.”

NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger said the region boasts a “rich history” in elite and community basketball.

“Melbourne United now has a strong foothold in the market, having won the NBL Championship last season and attracting sellout crowds at Melbourne Arena,” Loeliger said.

“The time is right for the introduction of a second team in Melbourne and to rebuild the NBL rivalries that the city was known for in the 1980s and ’90s.”

The South East Melbourne Magic, which folded in 1998, won two NBL championships (1992 and 1996).