Darwin Basketball Association to be dissolved and fall under Basketball NT banner

DBA clubs have voted to dissolve the association with all operations to be taken over by Basketball NT following a lengthy independent review into the code. Read what that means.

Darwin Basketball Association to be dissolved. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

The Darwin Basketball Association will be dissolved with all operations to be taken over by Basketball NT (BNT) following a lengthy independent review into the running of the code.

The decision to hand the DBA over to Basketball NT caused division among the newly elected board with three of its members, including its new chair, resigning in protest.

Newly elected DBA chairman David Tollner, former DBA chairman Stewart Brennan and longtime board member and international paralympian Tom-O’Neill Thorne were opposed to the plan and all resigned in protest.

The three want the DBA to continue independent of BNT.

DBA affiliate clubs voted to support the recommendation from Basketball Australia that would bring an end to the association in its current form to instead become a subsidiary of BNT.

It comes following the loss of the able-bodied Salties teams, which were managed by the Basketball NT’s former CEO and financial losses across the sport.

The DBA, which will now become known as the Darwin Basketball League, said there had been strong support for the new governance model in a statement.

“The vote was made to ensure basketball in Darwin (and across the NT) is given the best opportunity to bounce back and enter a new era of financial strength, good governance and quality product for our players, volunteers and staff,” a statement read.

“The vote authorises the DBA affiliate members to start the process to wind up DBA and transition to DBL through formal channels, including legal, constitutional and member engagement.

“A transition committee is being formed and will guide the changes over coming weeks and months.”

The multi-million dollar Ventia Stadium in Marrara will transfer from DBA to BNT and will continue to host basketball competitions while inheriting DBA records and history.

Basketball Australia chief executive Matt Scriven. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Basketball Australia and Basketball NT welcomed the overwhelming vote in support of the motion at the weekend’s special general meeting.

Basketball Australia chief executive Matt Scriven said the new structure and operating model represented a fresh start for the sport in the NT.

“Sunday’s decision allows the Territory to move forward with a modern, unified framework that will significantly improve how basketball is governed and delivered across the region,” he said.

“It establishes a stronger, more sustainable foundation for the future and with a model designed to support growth, participation and long-term success.”

A Transition Committee comprising representatives from Basketball NT, DBA, Basketball Australia and independent expertise as required to guide the process and set new priorities.

Originally published as Darwin Basketball Association to be dissolved and fall under Basketball NT banner