Future NT: Top class AFL, NBL sides to boost Territory economy

Key stakeholders believe the Territory receiving professional sides in top sporting competitions will pay dividends for the NT economy through tourism.

Sporting tourism is one of the biggest economic drivers in the Northern Territory, and key stakeholders believe the introduction of professional franchises will have huge benefits.

For the past few years the AFLNT and Darwin Salties have put forward plans to introduce Territory based teams at the highest level of their respective sports.

The introduction of the semi-professional Salties NBL1 North side in 2022 was a big step forward in the basketball space, with the team currently one of the best followed in its competition.

Darwin enjoys an average attendance of 1000 spectators per game day, while the livestream viewership for the club is among the highest across the country.

Darwin Salties general manager Matt Nason said the economic benefits of Darwin gaining an NBL franchise would be substantial, particularly in the lead up to the Brisbane Olympics.

“This opportunity would not only mark the NT’s inaugural representation on a national level in any sport but also generates heightened interest in the NT as a tourism destination,” he said.

Darwin Salties women’s side. Picture: Jack Riddiford.

“The upcoming 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, will showcase the top-tier basketball talent on the globe and presents an once-in-a-lifetime prospect that will inspire many young basketball players.

“To transition to an NT-based NBL and/or WNBL professional team, would create the complete and comprehensive pathway for our basketball players to potentially don the green and gold.”

The Darwin Salties naming rights sponsor Tamboran has latched on to the sport noting the influence it would have in the Territory going forward.

Nason said the club was “immensely grateful” for Tamboran’s backing, which had extended to outreach efforts within Greater Darwin and the surrounding region.

“The Tamboran team not only embraced the Salties’ high-energy, aggressive style of play but also resonated with the club’s core values,” Nason said.

“It was only natural for Tamboran to align their support with the Salties in such a manner, and we are immensely grateful for their backing of our basketball club throughout the 2024 season.

“Tamboran has also played a pivotal role in driving the Salties’ outreach efforts within Greater Darwin and the surrounding regions.”

The push towards a professional franchise is shared by the AFLNT, who this year released a business case proposing a potential Top End side.

Ben Long of the Suns and Jake Kolodjashnij of the Cats in action during the 2024 AFL Round 10 match between The Gold Coast SUNS and The Geelong Cats at TIO Stadium on May 16, 2024 in Darwin, Australia. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Footy is the biggest sport in the Territory with more than 25,000 people attending AFL games in Darwin and Alice Springs, and even more going to marquee local finals.

AFLNT general manager Sam Gibson said the numbers proved sport played a crucial role in making the NT a “priority destination”.

“These events enhance the liveability of the region and showcasing the NT as a great place to live, work and play,” he said.

“This is coupled with the millions of people who watch AFL events through the national broadcast, providing a great platform to promote the NT to critical interstate markets.”

The strategic business case outlined the NT having its own AFL team further substantiates the positive impacts that would flow by introducing a professional outfit to the north.

The NT News’ Future Northern Territory campaign returns for its third year, as the push to create a $40bn economy by 2030 continues. To purchase a ticket to the event on July 18, click here.