NBL chiefs arrive in Darwin to inspect local sites for a potential home base
A push for an NBL licence being awarded to Darwin has taken a step forward with league bosses meeting with the Chief Minister to inspect a potential home base.
Northern Territory
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A push towards Darwin getting an NBL licence has taken a step forward with league chiefs touring the city this week for a possible home base.
League chief executive David Stevenson and chief operating officer Vince Crivelli are in the city this week to inspect numerous sites with Chief Minister Natasha Fyles.
The league has previously flagged its interest in the Darwin Convention Centre for a potential home team.
In an exclusive statement to this publication, Stevenson said the league was keen to “continue discussions around a potential expansion team”.
“It’s a pleasure to meet with Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and representatives of the NT Major Events Company and we thank them for their time and interest,” Stevenson said.
“As with any expansion bid, a venue up to the high standards required by the NBL, government support, corporate partner support, and fan interest, must be demonstrated.”
In a statement, Fyles said her government had a “vision to support NBL growth in the Territory”.
“The interest and support of NBL is growing and the Territory Government will continue to explore new opportunities for Territorians,” Fyles said.
“This week I have met with NBL representatives to continue discussions around a potential expansion team.
“The NBL and basketball in general is one of Australia’s largest growing sports and the success of the Darwin Salties is something we are very proud of as there are numerous social and economic benefits for the Territory.
“We will continue to work with the NBL for an NT NBL team.”
It comes as local NBL1 north franchise, the Darwin Salties, have appointed a new general manager, Matt Nason.
Salties chairman Craig Rowston said employing a full time general manager was a “strategic part” in the process of eventually bidding for an NBL licence.
“We want our NBL1 club to eventually grow into an NBL and WNBL club,” Rowston said. “We believe that having teams in full-time professional competitions would provide a huge boost for the Territory and the Salties want to help make it happen.”
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