Basketball 2022: Former Wallaby turned politician David Pocock backs return of Canberra NBL team

Former Wallaby David Pocock, who is now walking the hallways of Parliament House, has emerged as a supporter for a new NBL licence in the nation’s capital but there is a big stumbling block.

Former Wallaby turned politician David Pocock has indicated his support for another NBL team in Canberra. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Former Wallaby turned politician David Pocock has emerged as a supporter for the return of a Canberra NBL team.

Pocock, who played 78 rugby union internationals for Australia, is now an independent senator in the Australian Capital Territory.

NBL officials have had discussions with the retired rugby flanker, who has indicated his support for another national basketball team in the ACT.

The nation’s capital is widely tipped as the most logical expansion option following the success of the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Former Wallaby turned politician David Pocock backs the return of a Canberra NBL team. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage.

Canberra hasn’t had a team since the Cannons were dissolved in 2003, but NBL boss Larry Kestelman has publicly backed the return of an ACT-based side.

The main obstacle is government funding to redevelop the AIS Arena.

Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck announced the Commonwealth would provide $11.4 million to repair the stadium, while Federal Labor promised to commit $15 million, if the party was elected.

It is estimated a further $40 to 50 million would be required to upgrade AIS Arena.

Tasmania’s MyState Bank Arena cost approximately $66 million to upgrade and refurbish.

The NBL have had discussions with government officials about a Canberra licence.

League officials have also attempted to meet with Andrew Barr, the Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister, on several occasions without success.

It’s why the NBL has also reached out to ex-rugby union star Pocock to help push support for the return of a Canberra team.

News Corp reached out to Pocock for comment, but he didn’t return calls.

The Gold Coast is another city keen to join the NBL.

The Queensland holiday strip hasn’t had a team in the national basketball league since the Blaze (2007-12) and the Cougars and Rollers (1990-96).

Canberra legend Phil Smyth when the Cannons were a dominant force in Australian basketball.

This could change, with a bid for the Gold Coast Tropics aiming to enter the NBL from the 2024 season.

Graphic design and brand company, Media8, and trading card company, Platinum Standard Grading, are backing the Tropics’ bid.

Brett McCallum, the CEO of Media8, believes the Gold Coast is ready to have another NBL team.

McCallum confirmed the bid has backing from local council and state government.

He also revealed that several NBA players have expressed interest in investing in a Gold Coast team if a licence is approved.

“So, we just want to see what the next steps are with the NBL, to get this licence moving,” McCallum said.

“We’re pretty much ready to go. We’ve just got to finalise a thing things, including a video to send to the NBL.”

✘ marks the spot 👀

As the league continues to grow, which location would get your vote for future expansion? pic.twitter.com/fJKlwpk8Uh

— The NBL (@NBL) August 22, 2022

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger confirmed league HQ has been inundated with interest to join the competition.

However, Loeliger said the league was in no rush to expand, stressing the importance to select a sustainable option for the league’s 11th team.

“The demand for NBL basketball is at an all-time high and we are enjoying having more conversations about how we could continue to grow the league,” Loeliger said.

“Any option that we assess has to demonstrate that the public interest is there first. That’s crucial to getting the next two pieces in place; namely corporate partners and Government support.

“Once those three limbs are aligned, it’s a question of infrastructure that is up to the very high standards that our teams, our fans and viewers and our partners have come to expect of the NBL.”

MAIN NBL EXPANSION CANDIDATES

Canberra

Gold Coast

Darwin

Originally published as Basketball 2022: Former Wallaby turned politician David Pocock backs return of Canberra NBL team