Darwin Salties hit pause on 2025 return ambitions
The Darwin Salties will not return to the court next year following continued off court issues, though holds visions of a comeback sometime in the future. Read what’s happened.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Darwin Salties will not return in 2025 after being unable to meet the requirements to compete in a new competition in time.
Instead they have decided to press pause on playing and instead concentrate on returning for the 2026 season.
The club announced it had withdrawn from the NBL1 North division in September due to excessive and unsustainable travel and other costs.
The Salties men and women had played in the Queensland competition for the past three seasons, with the men making finals each year.
However, needing to pay for travel to and around Queensland, as well as for visiting teams to Darwin, made the situation impossible in the long term.
The Salties have since entered early discussions with South Australia’s NBL1 Central division about entering their competition, but have been unable to meet the requirements for the 2025 season.
The team also needs to participate in a Basketball Northern Territory commissioned independent KPMG review, which includes the Darwin Basketball Association.
Efforts to find a new competition were further complicated by the unexpected resignation of the Salties and Basketball NT chief executive Matt Nason in September.
It comes as the new CLP government announced they would be suspending negotiations with the NBL about bringing a local franchise to the Territory.
Treasurer Bill Yan stated the push were one of the areas they had to knock on the head to claw back some of the Territory government’s debt.
A club spokesperson said they were confident the NBL1 Central division would be a better, more sustainable fit due to cheaper travel and accommodation costs.
The Salties will also have reduced player wages and be able to afford more opportunities for local players and coaches.
The two time NWBL champions Salties wheelchair team will not be impacted by these changes.
A forward plan for the remainder of 2024 and 2025 includes the creation of a new Future Salties Academy to prepare Territory players for 2026.
There will also be a focus on creating a more sustainable operating model and on fund raising initiatives.
A new working group will be established to deliver on those focus areas ahead of the hoped for return to professional play.
Stalemate leaves future of Aussie motorcycle racing in delicate position
Motorcycle racing in Australia is still in doubt for next year but there could be hope after national and state bodies met to determine a new constitution. Here is what we know.
REPLAY: Districts kick clear of willing Palmerston
The Crocodiles have picked up two big wins on the bounce, but they were made to work harder against the Magpies than what the scoreboard suggests. Watch the REPLAY.