NT Government to complete ‘feasibility work’ over a possible NBL licence bid

The NT Government will spend an undisclosed sum on steps to a potential NBL team in Darwin as talks ramp up in Melbourne.

The NT Government will spend an undisclosed sum on a feasibility study regarding a possible NBL team in Darwin.

The Darwin Convention Centre has been floated as possible home base for the potential new franchise with a goal of having a team up and running by the 2023-24 season.

The NT News understands Major Events Minister Paul Kirby attended two NBL games earlier this month to get a feel for game day experience and had discussions with league owner Larry Kestelman about a potential licence bid.

It also understands league representatives may return to Darwin later this year as part of the study.

In a statement to the NT News, Mr Kirby said the government was continuing to have “great dialogue” with the league.

“I’ve instructed (the Major Events department) to enlist a consultant to do some further feasibility work on our behalf and this should be completed as a priority,” Mr Kirby said.

“That work will give us a better picture of where we stand.

“We continue to have great dialogue with the NBL about the possibility of a team in Darwin in the future.

“But both parties understand the need to make sure the team will stack up financially, and there is a lot of work still to be done on both sides.”

Darwin Saltie Makuach Maluach handles the ball for his new club Melbourne United against the Sydney Kings in October. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images.

It comes after a well-attended NBL Blitz and the debut of the Darwin Salties which drew on average more than 1200 to home games at Marrara’s “Croc Pot”.

Darwin’s local men’s and women’s senior competition began on Friday night, attracting a raft of international and interstate players, with some hoping to win a spot on the Salties roster for the 2023 season.

Meanwhile, Darwin Saltie Makuach Maluach, who was recruited by Melbourne United midway through the NBL1North season, had a nine-point game against Sydney Kings earlier this month.