NBL co-owner Larry Kestelman would consider reviving the Geelong Supercats brand if a league licence was granted
NBL boss Larry Kestelman has revealed there is the potential to bring the Geelong Supercats back if the city was to be granted a licence. Here’s what we know.
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NBL co-owner Larry Kestelman says he would be open to reviving the Geelong Supercats brand if the city was to be awarded a league licence in the future.
Speaking at the Future Geelong event at GMHBA Stadium on Monday, attended by some of the region’s heaviest hitters in Federal MP Richard Marles, the City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj and Geelong Cats chief executive Steve Hocking, Kestelman reaffirmed his view the city deserved a licence but only if it had the necessary infrastructure in place.
He told this masthead earlier this month Geelong would need a stadium housing up to 7000 punters with the existing arena not up to scratch.
However, on Monday, when asked if he would be open to reviving the Supercats brand in the future, Kestelman said it would be considered.
The Supercats moniker was retired following a lengthy rebranding process after the merger of Basketball Geelong and the Corio Bay Stingrays several years ago.
“If I’m not mistaken … I believe we as the league still hold that IP, so if we did, that’s something I’d absolutely love to explore,” Kestelman said on Monday.
In a passionate address, the league co-owner continued to push the need for alignment between local sporting organisations to find a vision and the will for improved sporting infrastructure.
“Geelong and the Geelong community deserves an indoor facility to lead the community charge across sport and entertainment,” he said.
“You want to be a grown up, global city? Or do you want to be a regional small town? Make the decision.
“I don’t care who is in the front of it, but somebody has to get at the front of this thing and align everyone behind it, and I truly believe it can happen.
“But that vision has to be super clear.
“You have to take away all the fear, you have to take away all the actual barriers.
“Let’s pick someone, whoever that is, and unite everyone behind that cause, we’ll fall in line with that or lead the charge, whatever you want.
“If we have to be the catalyst … I’ll put my hand up and go: ‘we’d love to be part of that conversation’.”
Kestelman told attendees he had spoken to the Geelong Cats and Geelong United about sporting infrastructure.
He was particularly scathing of the ageing Geelong Arena, believing it had well and truly “served its purpose”.
“I really think Geelong can do better,” Kestelman said.
“It’s 35 years old, if that’s your vision I’d be pretty disappointed.
“It’s served its purpose.
“If that’s the vision, then the vision is lacking in my opinion.
“I don’t see a reason why, if everyone comes together, we cannot do something better.”
He said the ideal stadium for an NBL team would have a capacity between 5000-7000 as a minimum.
“With the right stadium I think that’s an absolute consideration for us,” he said of a local licence.
“We would love to see a team in Geelong if we got the right facility for the team.
“The opportunities in this corridor are enormous.
“I’ve got no horse in the race, I’ve got no land ownership in the area.
“You’ve got lots of opportunity for growth.
“I’d love to see an NBL club here in Geelong. I really think it’s an area that deserves it.”
Originally published as NBL co-owner Larry Kestelman would consider reviving the Geelong Supercats brand if a league licence was granted
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