NBL, Jackies owner keen to bring WNBL team to north Tassie

NBL and JackJumpers owner Larry Kestelman is keen to bring a WNBL team to the state’s north and north-west. But the ‘f’ word - facilities - will ultimately be the key factor.

JackJumpers fans Cathy Anning and her daughter Lilly Anning, 10. Picture: Mireille Merlet

A Tasmanian WNBL franchise based in the state’s north and north-west could possibly be launched as soon as next year, but improving outdated facilities remains the major obstacle.

NBL and JackJumpers owner Larry Kestelman is part of a consortium in the process of taking over control of the country’s premier female league.

He is adamant a women’s team primarily based in the state’s north and north-west is the ideal format to complement the wildly successful NBL team, with the JackJumpers winning the championship in just their third year.

Speaking at Launceston’s Silverdome before Friday’s JackJumpers-South-East Melbourne clash, Kestelman said adequate facilities is the major factor standing in the way of a WNBL team.

“We’re close to hopefully finalising our takeover of the WNBL and as part of that we’re conducting an assessment of the current licenses, obviously looking to continue with what we have but also other opportunities.,” he said.

“I couldn’t help but think Tasmania and the JackJumpers is a logical place for us to assess. “We’ve had a positive reception from the government after a number of conversations, in particular how do we bring as much basketball as possible to Tasmania.

“We play as many games as we can here (Launceston) with the JackJumpers, but our thoughts are if we can reverse the situation and have the current women’s team based here in the north and maybe even the north-west, and also play some games in the south is a great opportunity. “It’s early days, but it’s been received positively by my partners in the WNBL consortium as well as the government.”

Jackjumpers CEO Christine Finnegan. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)

A new $60 million multisport facility is soon to begin construction in Devonport, but upgrading the Silverdome has been an issue for years.

“To play games in any of these locations we need the facilities. There’s a lot of work to be done, but I’m excited by the prospect,” he said.

“This venue (Silverdome), I think everyone would admit is a little bit tired and deserves a facelift.

“We’re such a global and professional product, how we play and how the product presents on television needs to be world class.

“I don’t think it’s where it’s at now, but I think it has potential and it can be done in a reasonably economic way to make it compliant for the NBL. That of course would also be compliant for the WNBL.”

The JackJumpers are keen to also control the women’s side, and already have plenty of runs on the board given the club’s immediate success.

“It’s such a big attraction we have such a professionally run organisation who could step in and run a WNBL license now,” Kestelman said.

“It’s not a given, we could do it as a stand alone entity, but personally I think the strength of what the JackJumpers have done here would lend itself well to running a women’s team.

“I think the female side of the game deserves the same support and building the role models for the girls in their early years. I have no doubt the support would be enormous.”

After the NBL announced they would attempt to take over the WNBL, JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan immediately publicly confirmed her desire for the club to have a WNBL team.

MJeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania, JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan and NBL Owner Larry Kestelman after last season’s championship win. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Under the proposal players and support staff would live and be based in their eventual north or northeast home.

“I think there’s lot of room for everyone to play nicely in the playground. Let’s get our infrastructure and conversations right, the devil is in the detail,” Finnegan said.

“The young men of our state have had something to aspire to for years now, and it’s time for us to give the same to the girls.

“It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about. The JackJumpers have shown we know how to run a club and run it well.”

Kestelman said they wouldn’t rush into establishing a team before it is set up to be viable.

“We certainly don’t feel any pressure when it needs to happen,” he said.

“I think the premier would love to see some games played in the north-west, as well as Launceston.

“There’s a possibility it could be as early as next season, the October 2025 period, but certainly not a must.

“A lot of it comes back to facilities, if this (Silverdome) is ready and I know there’s plans to start in Devonport, we’ll assess all that.”